Dubai : A host of new over-the-counter products were launched at the International Pharmaceuticals and Technologies Conference and Exhibition (Duphat) which started on March 15 in Dubai. Here are some of our picks:
New Contraceptive
Pregnancies can now be controlled with a patch. Freely available over the counter in the UAE, the Evra hormonal patch, manufactured by the UK-based Janssen-Cilag, is believed to be 99 per cent effective. A pack of three patches costs Dh53.
Pill for Impotence
A new pill by Eli Lilly of the US has been introduced to treat erectile dysfunction. Called Cialis Once A Day, this over-the-counter pill claims to have an efficacy of over 36 hours. A set of 28 tablets costs Dh380.
Viagra reloaded
Pfizer has introduced a 100mg Viagra pill as against the earlier 50mg. The pill targets men with severe erectile dysfunction and diabetes. The cost of four tablets is Dh201.
Herbal solutions
Herbal patches by Chinese company Jimin Pharmaceutical are being promoted to treat sprains, bruises, neck and back ache and rheumatoid arthritis. "It comes in a pack of five or six patches," said Jennifer Chen, sales manager of the company, adding that they were looking for an agent to distribute it in the market. It may cost around Dh35 for a pack, she added.
