New cough and cold remedies now available for Canadians, offer options for children under six and those with compromised health

Sniffling noses get a new ally with Helixia™

TORONTO, Dec. 11, 2012 /CNW/ - For millions of Canadians ranging from the smallest tykes to our revered elders, cold season brings on a host of challenges when looking for a medication to help alleviate the predictable and uncomfortable symptoms of the common cold.

In 2009, Health Canada changed the cough and cold medication landscape dramatically when they required manufacturers to change the labels on over-the-counter (OTC) cough and cold medicines to state they are no longer suitable for anyone under the age of six.

Those with compromised health often fare no better. For people living with conditions like diabetes, hypertension, or respiratory illnesses such as asthma and chronic lung disease, certain medicinal ingredients including pseudoephedrine (decongestant) and dextromethorphan (antitussive) can cause side effects or negative interactions with other medications, and are therefore not recommended in this population. These ingredients are found in the top 50 cold remedies.

The introduction of Helixia™ is expected to fill a significant need for Canadians, their physicians, as well as their pharmacists and other healthcare professionals, especially relevant in light of some of the recent drug shortages. Helixia™ is a new line of naturally-sourced, over-the-counter cough and sinus remedies. Of particular note for parents and those struggling with certain chronic conditions, Helixia™ Cough is appropriate for use by children under six as well as adults with certain medical conditions in whom common over-the-counter cough medications are not recommended or difficult to tolerate. Helixia™ Sinus is available for adults and adolescents 12 years of age and older.

Though only recently introduced in Canada, Helixia's efficacy is supported by several clinical studies and its formulations, including the medicinal ingredients Hedera Helix L (the dried ivy leaf extract found in Helixia™ Cough), and Eucalyptol (the eucalyptus oil extract found in Helixia™ Sinus), have been available and used in Europe for more than 20 years.

"We are proud to offer Canadian families a cough and cold remedy that has been trusted around the world for more than two decades", said Elise Vezina, vice president of Pendopharm, a division of Pharmascience Inc., distributors of Helixia™. "We are sensitive to the challenges in alleviating cold symptoms in children under six as well as in those whose added health conditions limit their treatment possibilities. We are confident that Helixia™ will be a welcome option."

By all indications, the availability of Helixia™ will come as a relief to parents of young children who have struggled to soothe their little ones for the past several years. "As a mother it's torture watching my two year old and five year old cough and sneeze and not be able to give them anything to make them feel better," said Jacynthe Audette.

"I see hundreds of patients every cold season and brace myself for the inevitable question 'What can I take to help me feel better?'" said Dr. Blais. "Until now, the only solutions I could offer for the vast majority of my patients were to rest, drink plenty of fluids, use a humidifier, or to take a smaller dose. With Helixia™, and the scientific studies that support its efficacy, I am comfortable recommending this option to many of my patients who have been virtually left to their own devices for the past few years."

Helixia is available at most pharmacies across the country. For more information, visit www.helixia.com.

About Helixia™

Helixia™ is a portfolio of naturally-sourced cough and cold natural health products.

Helixia™ Cough is used as an expectorant to help relieve coughing and loosen mucus and phlegm. It is made from dried ivy leaf extract, is non-drowsy, tastes like honey (although it contains no honey) and is free of sucrose*, gluten, dyes and alcohol, making it an option for all Canadians, as well as an excellent alternative for both small children and many health-compromised individuals.

Helixia Sinus helps relieve nasal symptoms of a cold, including stuffy nose, runny nose, dry nose and inflamed nose and also helps relieve sinus symptoms associated with acute sinusitis and a cold, including sinus pain and pressure, sinus headache, sinus congestion and runny nose. Helixia™ Sinus contains the medicinal ingredient Cineole (Eucalyptol extract).

About Pendopharm

Pendopharm is a rapidly growing specialty pharmaceutical company that is committed to commercializing a portfolio of specialty prescription (Rx) products as well as an established range of over-the-counter (OTC) and behind-the-counter (BTC) products. Dedicated to growth, it actively engages in licensing, developing and marketing late-stage prescription products as well as consumer brands. Its experienced team of people is dedicated to "going the extra mile" to support the medical community, partners and patients.

Pendopharm is a division of Pharmascience Inc., a Canadian privately-owned company. For more information about Pendopharm and its portfolio of products, visit www.pendopharm.com.

HELIXIA^TM is a trademark of Pharmascience Inc

May not be suitable for everyone. Always direct the patient to read the label and follow the directions of use.

SOURCE: Pendopharm