Low-cost smoking cessation alternaitve cystine and azelastine-fluticasone combination nasal spray Rx-to-OTC switch applications were rejected by Germany's independent Expert Committee on Prescription at its latest meeting. Olopatadine for ophthalmic use and oral bilastine at 10mg strength were, however, given the green light. 

Manufacturers of UK personal care products watch out, the Competition and Markets Authority is on the look-out for false, exaggerated and/or vague sustainability claims, and may be targeting bigger players to make an example for the rest of the sector. And consumer health might be next. HBW Insight returns to advice from marketing expert Jo Stephenson on how to avoid greenwashing, based on the CMA's own extensive Green Claims Code.

An overwhelming majority of consumers surveyed by IT consultancy Capgemini are concerned they will not be able to obtain the OTC health products they require or want. In the event of shortages – which are currently affecting consumers across Europe – many respondents said they would substitute with another brand, or in some cases not purchase at all.

Could codiene linctus cough syrups be reverse-switched from OTC to Rx status in the UK? A panel of independent medicines experts suggests they should be, based on UK drugs law and their use in illegal cocktail Purple Drank.

J&J's OTC nicotene replacemnt therapy brand Nicorette goes from strength to strength in the UK with a world-first approval from the country's medicines regulator for its Quickmist product for vaping cessation. 

There are no OTC analgesic supply issues in UK despite higher than normal demand, says consumer heathcare industry association PAGB in response to what it labels “partial and incomplete reporting” in the country's media. HBW Insight looks at NielsenIQ market data for the week ending 7 Janurary to get behind the headlines.