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NEWTOWN, Pa. — KVK Tech Inc. has branched out from prescription pharmaceuticals to include an over-the-counter allergy product with the distribution of Chlorphen-12, equivalent to Chlor-Trimeton 12 Hour.
The chlorpheniramine maleate extended-release antihistamine tablet, approved by the Food and Drug Administration, is designed to provide 12-hour relief from allergy symptoms, including sneezing, runny nose and itchy throat as well as itchy, watery eyes.
Many pharmacists, consumers and doctors like this particular 12-hour allergy medication. Extended-release chlorpheniramine maleate has been popular over the years as a fast-acting, first-generation allergy treatment — often compared with Benadryl in the national brand advertisements — as faster-acting, longer-lasting and less sleep-inducing than competing products, according to KVK Tech national account manager Lori Pinkleton.
Chlor-Trimeton 12 Hour was historically marketed by Schering-Plough, which new parent company Merck relaunched around last spring but had to recall in November. “We have the only equivalent to it,” said Pinkleton. “The national brand is not available, so our control label or private label is becoming the only replacement for the national brand at this time.”
KVK has added a 24-count blister-carton size to its 60-tablet size. The company also manufactures private-label versions of Chlorphen-12 (chlorpheniramine maleate ER 12 mg), debuting at drug stores nationwide this season. It’s already going on the shelves at CVS/pharmacy and Leader pharmacies.
“We want to let retailers know they can fill that gap on their shelves from Chlor-Trimeton 12 Hour with Chlorphen-12 or a private-label equivalent,” Pinkleton said.
Though many chains have set their allergy planograms, she noted that KVK Tech is offering Chlorphen-12 and store-brand versions in clip strips that can be attached to end-caps.
Drug wholesalers carrying Chlorphen-12 include McKesson Corp., AmerisourceBergen, Cardinal Health and most other independent wholesalers and distributors. Other wholesalers and drug chains are preparing to launch it under their private labels, and KVK is awaiting approval for an equivalent of Drixoral, which also had production suspended by Merck.
