Following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, many people became more wary of coughing as it was one of the notable symptoms of the virus that claimed the lives of many. Although, as the pandemic restrictions set in place have long loosened, so did the public’s perception of the severity of coughs.
Oftentimes, people with coughs who do not feel any other symptoms tend to leave it be and wait for it to resolve itself. However, experts have come to notice how coughs have progressively become worse in recent times.
Unilab Director for Medical Affairs, Medical Product Research Dr. Maria Ronila A. Santos, MD FPCP FPCCP pointed out that there were a variety of factors surrounding this such as climate change and poor air quality. While a cough usually resolves itself between seven to 14 days, Santos stressed the importance of treatment as quickly as possible.
Dr. Maria Ronila A. Santos
“Usually, respiratory infections are self-limited, but if complications arise from phlegm that is left in the lungs, there can be a likelihood of secondary bacterial infection,” explained Santos.
With the immediate treatment of coughs preventing other people from being infected as well, Unilab offers Solmux Advance with Zinc, which is formulated to help resolve coughs faster.
Serving as the first medicine in the world with such a formula that began its intensive development in 2016, Solmux Advance with Zinc utilizes the effects of carbocisteine as a mucolytic, which makes phlegm less thick and easier to expel, and combines it with zinc to help in healing quicker from the cough through boosting immunity.
Santos cited an internal study done by Unilab among patients with coughs that were associated with the common cold. It was found that carbocisteine with zinc decreased the duration of cough to just five days, with expectoration being easier on the third day.
“This study showed that [carbocisteine] plus zinc is a safe and effective therapy for cough due to the viral [respiratory tract infection],” said Santos.
Solmux Advance with Zinc also has menthol, which acts as a demulcent that gives a cooling and soothing effect.
To showcase how they create their medicines like Solmux Advance with Zinc with high quality and utmost care, Unilab also held a plant tour for the media at the Amherst Laboratories in Biñan, Laguna. Granted with a Current Good Manufacturing Process (CGMP) and ISO certifications, the tour showed the high-quality production and careful packing process that its products undergo.
Unilab Senior Manager for Research and Development Titus G. Cheng explained that while the pharmaceutical brand does not create new drug discoveries, it was keen on uncovering the gaps in the experiences of patients and looking for ways it can boost innovation.
“The products that we produce should be able to pass rigorous testing and trials… [they] should not only be efficacious, but also physically, chemically, and microbiologically stable,” said Cheng, adding how the firm is obligated and committed to comply with the regulations set by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
“Unilab strives to continue to innovate to bring quality and affordable medicines to the Filipino people to bring alagang Unilab to Filipino homes,” he added.
