Latest news with #Opella
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Feeling itchy? FDA warns about rare side effect from some allergy drugs
As pollen peaks for the season, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration is warning that some popular allergy medications could cause a rare but severe itching side effect. The FDA said in a safety warning issued on May 16 that some patients who have taken oral allergy medicines daily for long periods of time — at least a few months but often several years — have experienced a severe type of itching, which is known medically as pruritus. The affected medicines include cetirizine, which is popularly sold under the brand name Zyrtec, and levocetirizine, sold as Xyzal. While reported cases of the severe itching side effect are rare, some have been serious and required medical intervention, according to the FDA. A spokesperson for Opella, which manufactures Xyzal, said in a statement that the medicine "has a strong track record of efficacy backed by scientific research and user satisfaction." "Opella stands by the safety of Xyzal, despite this rare reaction, when used as directed," the spokesperson said. USA TODAY has reached out to Kenvue, which manufactures Zyrtec, for comment. The FDA said cetirizine and levocetirizine are the allergy medicines that could cause the itching side effect. They are sold under the brand names Zyrtec and Xyzal, respectively. Both medicines are available over-the-counter or through a prescription. The FDA said it has revised the prescribing information for both medicines to include a warning about the possible effect. This year's pollen maps Allergy sufferers expected to have worse season than usual Some allergy medicines may cause a severe itching side effect known as pruritus, according to the FDA. Pruritus is the medical term for itching, according to the Cleveland Clinic. The most common cause of pruritus is dry skin, but others include inflammation or swelling within the body, an underlying medical condition affecting skin or internal organs or nerve damage, according to Cleveland Clinic. Melina Khan is a national trending reporter for USA TODAY. She can be reached at This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: FDA: Allergy drugs, including Zyrtec, could cause rare side effect
USA Today
22-05-2025
- Health
- USA Today
Feeling itchy? FDA warns about rare side effect from some allergy drugs
Feeling itchy? FDA warns about rare side effect from some allergy drugs Show Caption Hide Caption You're not crazy. Allergy season is getting worse. New research shows that pollen season is getting longer and more intense. But why? As pollen peaks for the season, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration is warning that some popular allergy medications could cause a rare but severe itching side effect. The FDA said in a safety warning issued on May 16 that some patients who have taken oral allergy medicines daily for long periods of time — at least a few months but often several years — have experienced a severe type of itching, which is known medically as pruritus. The affected medicines include cetirizine, which is popularly sold under the brand name Zyrtec, and levocetirizine, sold as Xyzal. While reported cases of the severe itching side effect are rare, some have been serious and required medical intervention, according to the FDA. A spokesperson for Opella, which manufactures Xyzal, said in a statement that the medicine "has a strong track record of efficacy backed by scientific research and user satisfaction." "Opella stands by the safety of Xyzal, despite this rare reaction, when used as directed," the spokesperson said. USA TODAY has reached out to Kenvue, which manufactures Zyrtec, for comment. Which allergy medicines could cause itching side effect? The FDA said cetirizine and levocetirizine are the allergy medicines that could cause the itching side effect. They are sold under the brand names Zyrtec and Xyzal, respectively. Both medicines are available over-the-counter or through a prescription. The FDA said it has revised the prescribing information for both medicines to include a warning about the possible effect. This year's pollen maps Allergy sufferers expected to have worse season than usual FDA warns about rare itching side effect. What is pruritus? Some allergy medicines may cause a severe itching side effect known as pruritus, according to the FDA. Pruritus is the medical term for itching, according to the Cleveland Clinic. The most common cause of pruritus is dry skin, but others include inflammation or swelling within the body, an underlying medical condition affecting skin or internal organs or nerve damage, according to Cleveland Clinic. Melina Khan is a national trending reporter for USA TODAY. She can be reached at
Tahya Masr
06-05-2025
- Business
- Tahya Masr
Opella launches as an independent company to redefine the future of self-care
It is official: Opella is now a standalone company. Sanofi announced today the closing of the sale to CD&R of a 50.0% controlling stake of Opella, Sanofi keeping a significant shareholding with a 48.2% stake and Bpifrance owning a 1.8% stake. Opella is stepping into its next chapter with powerful backing, and a clear mission - 'Health in Your Hands' - making self-care as simple as it should be. This is not just a change of ownership. This is a bold move. As the third-largest global player in the €190 billion Over-The-Counter and Vitamins, Minerals and Supplements space, Opella starts a new journey in one of the most dynamic, resilient corners of healthcare – where megatrends like aging populations, digital access, and self-care demand are rewriting the rulebook. Opella is headquartered in France but thinks global. Its 100 brands – including Telfast, Doliprane, Bronchicum, Enterogermina, Maalox, Nasacort, Maxilase, Bisolvon and Buscopan – are already trusted names in homes around the world. The self-care environment is still far too complex, leaving most people who suffer without treatment. Opella is grounded in science, with deep consumer obsession and a commitment to sustainability, to offer solutions that help people access the care they deserve. Julie Van Ongevalle, Opella President and CEO: 'Going independent is not just a milestone. It is our moment. I am proud of our talented team of 11,000 who made this happen. With the right partners and a sharp focus, we are set to reshape how people everywhere manage their health – simply, confidently, and on their terms.' Feirouz Ellouze, General Manager of Opella AMET Zone (Africa-Middle East-Türkiye) 'At Opella, our mission is to simplify self-care, making it as simple as it should be. We work together with all our stakeholders to enhance health literacy and extend our vision of 'health in your hands'. This new chapter at Opella is dedicated to advancing our journey towards becoming fast-moving consumer healthcare company globally. We firmly believe in our people and their ability to create a lasting legacy in the countries where we operate.' David Taylor takes on the role of Chairman of Opella's Supervisory Board. Former Chairman and CEO of Procter & Gamble, and current Chairman of the Board of Delta and Senior Advisor to CD&R funds, David brings decades of brand experience, people-first leadership, and a deep belief in doing things better. David Taylor, Chairman of Opella's Supervisory Board: 'What drew me to Opella is a mission with meaning, a company with courage, a talented team, and a business ready to break new ground. Opella is not here to tweak the system – but to reimagine it.' The priority is clear: strengthen trusted brands and deepen presence in key markets. The possibilities are endless – from prescription to over-the-counter switches to smart acquisitions and geographic expansion. This is more than independence. It is the freedom to act. The power to simplify. And the drive to redefine the future of self-care.
Mid East Info
05-05-2025
- Business
- Mid East Info
Opella launches as an independent company to redefine the future of self-care. - Middle East Business News and Information
UAE, May 2025 – It is official: Opella is now a standalone company. Sanofi announced today the closing of the sale to CD&R of a 50.0% controlling stake of Opella, Sanofi keeping a significant shareholding with a 48.2% stake and Bpifrance owning a 1.8% stake. Opella is stepping into its next chapter with powerful backing, and a clear mission – 'Health in Your Hands' – making self-care as simple as it should be. This is not just a change of ownership. This is a bold move. As the third-largest global player in the €190 billion Over-The-Counter and Vitamins, Minerals and Supplements space, Opella starts a new journey in one of the most dynamic, resilient corners of healthcare – where megatrends like aging populations, digital access, and self-care demand are rewriting the rulebook. Opella is headquartered in France but thinks global. Its 100 brands – including Telfast , Enterogermina, Dulcolax, Maalox, Buscopan ,Mucosolvan , Bronchicum ,Naselfast and Pharmaton– are already trusted names in homes around the world. The self-care environment is still far too complex, leaving most people who suffer without treatment. Opella is grounded in science, with deep consumer obsession and a commitment to sustainability, to offer solutions that help people access the care they deserve. Julie Van Ongevalle, Opella President and CEO: 'Going independent is not just a milestone. It is our moment. I am proud of our talented team of 11,000 who made this happen. With the right partners and a sharp focus, we are set to reshape how people everywhere manage their health – simply, confidently, and on their terms.' Feirouz Ellouze, General Manager of Opella AMET Zone (Africa-Middle East-Türkiye) 'At Opella, our mission is to simplify self-care, making it as simple as it should be. We work together with all our stakeholders to enhance health literacy and extend our vision of 'health in your hands'. This new chapter at Opella is dedicated to advancing our journey towards becoming fast-moving consumer healthcare company globally. We firmly believe in our people and their ability to create a lasting legacy in the countries where we operate.' David Taylor takes on the role of Chairman of Opella's Supervisory Board. Former Chairman and CEO of Procter & Gamble, and current Chairman of the Board of Delta and Senior Advisor to CD&R funds, David brings decades of brand experience, people-first leadership, and a deep belief in doing things better. David Taylor, Chairman of Opella's Supervisory Board: 'What drew me to Opella is a mission with meaning, a company with courage, a talented team, and a business ready to break new ground. Opella is not here to tweak the system – but to reimagine it.' The priority is clear: strengthen trusted brands and deepen presence in key markets. The possibilities are endless – from prescription to over-the-counter switches to smart acquisitions and geographic expansion. This is more than independence. It is the freedom to act. The power to simplify. And the drive to redefine the future of self-care. About Opella. Opella is the self-care challenger with the third-largest portfolio in the Over-The-Counter (OTC) & Vitamins, Minerals & Supplements (VMS) market globally. Our mission is to bring health in people's hands by making self-care as simple as it should be. For half a billion consumers worldwide – and counting. At the core of this mission is our 100 loved brands, our 11,000-strong global team, our 13 best-in-class manufacturing sites and 4 specialized science and innovation development centers. Headquartered in France, Opella is the proud maker of many of the world's most loved brands, including Telfast , Enterogermina, Dulcolax, Maalox, Buscopan ,Mucosolvan , Bronchicum ,Naselfast, Pharmaton. B Corp certified in multiple markets, we are active players in the journey towards healthier people and planet.
Yahoo
01-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Sanofi (SNY, Financials) Completes Opella Deal, Creates Consumer Health Leader
Sanofi (SNY, Financials) closed its previously announced deal to carve out consumer health business Opella into a standalone global leader, marking a strategic pivot toward pure-play biopharma operations. Warning! GuruFocus has detected 2 Warning Sign with SNAP. The French drugmaker completed the transaction with private equity firm Clayton, Dubilier & Rice, selling a 50% controlling stake in Opella. Sanofi maintains a 48.2% share, while state-owned investor Bpifrance holds the remaining 1.8%. Sanofi reported net cash proceeds of about 10 billion ($10.7 billion) from the deal, which it had outlined earlier in 2024. The company said Opella will now operate independently with over 11,000 employees, 100-country reach, and brands like Allegra, Doliprane and Dulcolax. Sanofi said the divestiture supports its aim to become a focused biopharma player. CEO Paul Hudson said in a statement the deal enables Opella to pursue long-term growth with the operational and financial backing of CD&R. The deal echoes a broader industry trend of large pharma companies shedding non-core consumer units to concentrate on high-margin drug pipelines. Investors may monitor how Sanofi deploys the proceeds amid growing competition in the biopharma space. Meanwhile, Opella's next phase of international expansion could influence valuations if it prepares for a future IPO or further M&A. See insider trades for SNY. Explore Peter Lynch chart. This article first appeared on GuruFocus. Sign in to access your portfolio
