First FDA-Approved OTC Preservative-Free Antihistamine Eye Drop Approved for Relief of Itchy Eyes Associated with Allergies
Now Rolling out to Major U.S. Retailers
LAVAL, QC, Feb. 23, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Bausch + Lomb, a leading global eye health business of Bausch Health Companies Inc. (NYSE/TSX: BHC) ("Bausch Health"), today announced the U.S. launch of Alaway ® Preservative Free (ketotifen fumarate ophthalmic solution 0.035%) antihistamine eye drops, the first and only over-the-counter (OTC) preservative-free antihistamine eye itch relief drop approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
"As we head into Spring, millions of Americans with allergies will experience itchy eyes, one of the eye symptoms that affects approximately 80 percent of people with allergies," 1 said Joe Gordon, U.S. president, Bausch + Lomb. "With the availability of Alaway ® Preservative Free antihistamine eye drops, consumers now have a new over-the-counter option that provides fast, lasting eye itch relief without the use of preservatives."
During allergy season, irritating particles in the air, like pollen, can cause eyes to release histamines that can cause puffy, itchy eyes. Alaway ® Preservative Free is a new, OTC prescription-strength formula that is formulated to block the release of histamines and reduce allergic inflammation. Working right at the source of eye itch symptoms, Alaway provides relief within minutes and lasts up to 12 hours with one dose.
"Many of my patients who suffer from seasonal or perennial allergies tend to rely on oral allergy medication to address their symptoms. However, oral allergy medication may not provide them with the eye itch relief that they need," said Arthur Epstein , O.D., director of Clinical Research, Phoenix Eye Care, Arizona . "Alaway ® is a proven antihistamine eye drop that provides patients fast-acting and long-lasting eye itch relief where they need it. Now, with the preservative-free Alaway ® formula, patients who have allergies now have a new option with less risk of irritation associated with preservatives to help relieve their eye itch symptoms."
Alaway Preservative-Free will be available for purchase at most national retailers, including Walgreens, CVS, Walmart and Amazon. A 10-day supply (20 single-dose vials) will have a manufacturer's suggested retail price of $14.99 .
For more information on Alaway ® eye drops, visit www.alaway.com .
About Bausch + Lomb
Bausch + Lomb, a leading global eye health business of Bausch Health Companies Inc., is solely focused on helping people see better to live better. Its core businesses include over-the-counter products, dietary supplements, eye care products, ophthalmic pharmaceuticals, contact lenses, lens care products, ophthalmic surgical devices and instruments. Bausch + Lomb develops, manufactures and markets one of the most comprehensive product portfolios in the industry, which is available in approximately 100 countries. For more information, visit www.bausch.com .
About Bausch Health
Bausch Health Companies Inc. (NYSE/TSX: BHC) is a global company whose mission is to improve people's lives with our health care products. We develop, manufacture and market a range of pharmaceutical, medical device and over-the-counter products, primarily in the therapeutic areas of eye health, gastroenterology and dermatology. We are delivering on our commitments as we build an innovative company dedicated to advancing global health. More information can be found at www.bauschhealth.com .
Forward-looking Statements
This news release may contain forward-looking statements, which may generally be identified by the use of the words "anticipates," "expects," "intends," "plans," "should," "could," "would," "may," "believes," "estimates," "potential," "target," or "continue" and variations or similar expressions. These statements are based upon the current expectations and beliefs of management and are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the risks and uncertainties discussed in Bausch Health's most recent annual report on Form 10-K and detailed from time to time in Bausch Health's other filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and the Canadian Securities Administrators, which factors are incorporated herein by reference. They also include, but are not limited to, risks and uncertainties caused by or relating to the evolving COVID-19 pandemic, and the fear of that pandemic and its potential effects, the severity, duration and future impact of which are highly uncertain and cannot be predicted, and which may have a material adverse impact on Bausch Health, including but not limited to its project development timelines, and costs (which may increase). Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any of these forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date hereof. Bausch Health undertakes no obligation to update any of these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this news release or to reflect actual outcomes, unless required by law.
References
1. The 2018 U.S. Study of Allergies, Multi-sponsor Surveys, Inc. February 2018.
Alaway is a trademark of Bausch & Lomb Incorporated or its affiliates.
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