Avenova with Neutrox™ 0.01% HOCL vs OCuSOFT HOCL 0.02% Eyelid and Eyelash Spray

[savino]

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[Max]

I received a answer very quickly from OCcusoft. I'm not entirely sure which is best - I need to go over it with my husband. I still don't understand if one is better than the other. Maybe Rebecca could offer an opinion since she's at this for so long.


Avenova .01% HOCL is produced by acidification of sodium hypochlorite solution with hydrochloric acid to a pH of 3.5-4.5. NovaBay’s marketing message of “pure” hypchlorous acid means that at this low pH, it doesn’t contain sodium hypochlorite. Although at that low pH, it does contain several chlorinated species that are volatile and can only be maintained in the liquid phase equilibrium by having sealed, glass container. This sealed state is the 36 month shelf life that NovaBay markets, however, once the seal is broken and the container is open, the equilibrium rapidly shifts to the right with the loss of chlorinated species, the pH level rises, and the NovaBay product is only effective at killing bacteria for 30 days. This means it becomes nothing more than saline after 30 days of use.

In contrast, OCuSOFT HypoChlor is manufactured by electrolysis of water and salt to yield hypochlorous acid (.02%), sodium hypochlorite (.003%), and saline with a pH of 6-7. At this pH, the hypochlorous acid and sodium hypochlorite exist in balanced equilibrium with no volatile chlorine species to cause instability. As such, HypoChlor is effective and stable opened or unopened for 18 months. It is known that hypochlorous acid is more potent than sodium hypochlorite, as single species. However, equilibria of the two species at pH 6-7 would have significant concentrations of protonated acid (HOCl) to be potent and effective in its intended use."


The stable pH (6-7) of OCuSOFT HypoChlor allows for a gentler, robust and reliable product for application to eyelid tissue. It has been shown that 0.02% HypoChlor is non-irritating to ocular tissue (by Draize rabbit testing scored a perfect “0”). At pHs that are matched to physiological pH, OCuSOFT HypoChlor has no irritation potential for the period of intended use as an eyelid scrub and cleanser or when instilled directly into the eye. The FDA requires Hypochlorous acid be registered as a medical device and as such may be marketed either as a prescription (Rx) or an Over-the-Counter (OTC) product based upon intended claims. Generally, the Rx vs. OTC designation has nothing to do with percentage of principle ingredient or relative effectiveness. It is simply a box that is checked on the 510-K that clarifies the labeling for the product.

For example, OCuSOFT® HypoChlor™ Solution and OCuSOFT® HypoChlor™ Gel both contain 0.02% Hypochlorous acid and are being marketed as OTC products for use in the most severe conditions. Branded prescription products are more expensive than OTC products or generics when used in the same treatment category. OCuSOFT’s 0.02% Hypochlorous acid is twice the strength of the competing prescription brand yet is marketed OTC in order to provide maximum patient savings and ease in purchasing the product without a prescription.

If the doctor writes a prescription for Avenova, the patient can go to the pharmacy and get it filled, however, since it is a medical device, it won’t be covered under any insurance, so they will pay an out-of-pocket expense of around $30. If the doctor writes a prescription for HypoChlor, the same steps apply, only the cost to the patient will be around $20-25 for a 2 oz. bottle that will be stable for 18 months opened or unopened."

[Max]

I just wrote this email to OCusoft with a very reasonable question:

I've been using Avenova which contains Neutrox™, "NovaBay’s proprietary, pure, stable form of hypochlorous acid (HOCl) 0.01%
without bleach impurities. Avenova claims it's HOCL is a preservative on the label, but then their Neutrox™ is noted as its proprietary ingredient which again, is the HOCL!

I just found OCuSOFT HypoChlor 0.02% Hypochlorous Acid Eyelid and Eyelash Spray 2 fl. OZ (59ml) for much less money and requires no prescription - buying it only from my doctor has been, frankly, a pain in the rump. 1/2 the time, his staff doesn't know what I am talking about when I order my next bottle.

How does OCcusoft's Hypochlorous Acid differ from Avenova's Hypochlorous Acid other than being stronger and more affordable? Is your product a less pure, stable form of HOCl?

Because Avenova identifies their 0.01% HOCl as their proprietary ingredient, Neutrox™, it available by prescription only and is more difficult to buy and much more expensive.

I just purchased another bottle of Avenova recently, following instructions, I go through 2 bottles a month at $32 a bottle each and the bottle contains 40ml (1.35 oz), and then I saw the OCcusoft product on Amazon and decided to give it a try, but I want to know why one is weaker but prescription based, and one is stronger but OTC. The FDA's information is very unclear.

Is there a difference in the purity level of the OCcusoft HOCL?

Here is Avenova PDF addressing differences in their product but I'm not convinced OCcuoft uses a less pure form of HOCL.

http://novabay.com/wp-content/upload...tc-product.pdf

"Avenova claims that the production of commerical harmaceutical form, has been very challenging, as the pH must be maintained at 3.5 to 6 in order for hypochlorous acid to remain in this form3 (1). Over-acidification of hypochlorous acid leads to formation of mostly chlorine in NaCl aqueous solution (Figure 2). In alkaline condition, hypochlorite becomes the dominating chlorine species"

My husband is an organic chemist and he was confused as well; he suggested I request a clarification from OCusoft.