In Brief

NAD refers Solace to FTC; ERSP chastises TriVita for testimonials; Perrigo gains second China formula distributor; CHPA comments on lobbying regulations; Acetaminophen linked to asthma in children; CSPI pushes for St. John’s wort warning

NAD refers Solace International to FTC

Solace International’s advertisements for DermaTend Mole Wart & Skin Tag Remover likely will face FTC scrutiny soon. The National Advertising Division of the Council of Better Business Bureaus referred the firm’s ads to FTC after Solace declined to participate in the self-regulatory review process. NAD requested substantiation for claims DermaTend Mole Wart & Skin Tag Remover “permanently removes all unwanted moles, warts and skin tags quickly and easily,” “is just as effective as surgery” and “unlike surgery, you won’t be left with unsightly scars and or a large doctor bill.” The firm denied misleading or improper advertising, but volunteered to remove references to surgery and doctor bills from the ads. Despite these changes, NAD says in a Nov. 8 release that it referred the firm to FTC because “such action did not resolve the remaining challenged claims.”

ERSP chastises TriVita for testimonials

TriVita Inc. should “clearly and conspicuously” disclose when testimonials for Nopalea are made by company members who receive a commission for selling the supplement, the Electronic Retailing Self-Regulation Program determines. The watchdog reviewed TriVita’s infomercial and advertising claims for Nopalea, a cactus fruit juice, in a report released Nov. 7 as part of its ongoing marketing review. ERSP explained that the commissions paid to company members affect “the weight and credibility of the representation as interpreted by consumers and, as such, should be clearly and conspicuously disclosed.” ERSP also advises the firm its scientific studies on Nopalea’s main ingredient do not support specific health condition claims like “provides blood sugar stability,” “boosts the immune system” and “helps detoxify poisons.”

Perrigo gains China formula distributor

Brilite Nutritionals (Shanghai) Co. will distribute Perrigo’s Bright Beginnings infant formula brand in China under a supply and licensing agreement announced Nov. 8. The partnership marks Perrigo’s second Chinese infant nutritionals distribution deal in less than a month’s span, “with more agreements to come soon,” said Perrigo CEO Joseph Papa (Also see "Perrigo OTCs, Nutritionals Underperform Despite Record Overall Revenue" - Pink Sheet, 31 Oct, 2011.). Shipments of Bright Beginnings formula, manufactured in the U.S. by Perrigo subsidiary PBM Products, begin immediately.

CHPA comments on lobbying regulations

The White House Office of Government Ethics should not impose certain limits on executive branch employees’ attendance at association-sponsored conferences, the Consumer Healthcare Products Association says in Nov. 8 comments. In particular, government employees should be allowed to attend a conference beyond the day of their speech for no cost. Also, the government should exempt minimal refreshments provided by the association at joint education events. Without an exemption, the White House proposed rule on standards of ethical conduct for employees of the executive branch would segregate federal employees from the beverage table and association members who are having coffee or juice, CHPA says.

Acetaminophen linked to children’s asthma

Children who have asthma or a family history of asthma should not use acetaminophen, a pediatrician says in the December issue of Pediatrics. John McBride, a pediatrician at Akron Children’s Hospital, writes that “a growing number of studies” document a strong association between acetaminophen and asthma. Phase 3 of the International Study of Allergy and Asthma in Childhood identified the association “at almost all sites regardless of geography, culture or stage of economic development,” McBride writes. Studies also show the relationship in adults, he noted. Most asthmatic children can treat fevers or moderate pain without drugs or with ibuprofen, so the risk-benefit analysis shifts away from the use of acetaminophen, he concludes.

CSPI pushes for St. John’s wort warning

The Center for Science in the Public Interest petitions FDA to add a black box warning to St. John’s wort supplements. The suggested warning would alert consumers that the ingredient interacts with common prescription and over-the-counter drugs and advise them not to use the product if they take contraceptives, antidepressants, immune-suppressants (such as cyclosporine), anticoagulants, digoxin, HIV medicine, blood thinners, seizure-control medicine, cancer medicine or any other medications. The advocacy group notes that many consumers take supplements because they believe the product will benefit them, and may not realize the ingredient can counteract other treatments. It adds supplements with St. John’s wort currently do not always warn consumers of potential contraindications.