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Our weekly news column bringing the most current, non-biased health
information to the consumer. |
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April 22, 2008 |
A Publication of QVHD |
Over the Counter (OTC) Medications
By: V. Deborah Culligan, RN, MPH,
Deputy Director QVHD
Over time, medications
that were only available by prescription become available as over the
counter drugs. The newest “kid on the block” is Zyrtec, used for
allergies. There are pros and cons to releasing these drugs. While the
potential for a more educated consumer to self-medicate, saving money,
time and less stress on the health care system, it also leaves the door
open for misuse that can be dangerous. An extreme example of this is the
abuse of Sudafed. What was once a prescription drug became an OTC drug
and is now back behind the counter because of people using it to create
an illegal substance used to get high.
For most of us, misuse will result from not taking the fact seriously
that ANY OTC drug is a drug and has side effects and will interact with
other drugs. Because it is made an OTC drug does not mean it is a safer
drug than before. It is therefore very important that you understand
potential side effects of OTC drugs. You need to understand how they may
interact with other drugs you are taking. This same advice holds true
for any supplements you take as well. Even though they may be “natural”
products, they can still interact with other substances.
The Council of Family Health has developed a brochure titled “Drug
Interactions: What You Should Know.” Some of their recommendations
follow:
• Let your health care provider know all the drugs and supplements that
you are taking. If you have more than one doctor, make sure they all
know what you are taking. You can not fault a doctor for prescribing a
drug that may have a bad interaction with another drug if they do not
know you are taking it.
• Read the label and information sheets that come with medications. You
can learn a lot about what you are taking and should answer most of your
questions about the product. You can also check with your pharmacist is
you aren't sure how to interpret the package inserts or instructions.
• If you are taking more than one OTC, check the ingredients. Sometimes
two different products will contain similar ingredients which will
greatly increase the dose you are getting.
• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, check with your health care
provider before using a product. Do not assume that all herbal
supplements are safe.
Having access to medications without having to go to a doctor can be a
good thing. But you must know what you are doing, especially when
administering to infants, children and the elderly. For a copy of the
Drug Interactions brochure and other information on drug interactions,
District residents can call QVHD, 248-4528 or request via email,
info@qvhd.org
| An Ounce of Prevention is a
publication of the Quinnipiack Valley Health District, located at
1151 Hartford Turnpike, North Haven, CT 06473. Telephone:
248-4528. An Ounce of Prevention is
written by V. Deborah Culligan. The articles are published in the following local newspapers, The Advisor &
Beth-Wood News.
The content is provided as health education and
information to help you make health decisions. It is not intended to
be legal or medical advice, or substitute for recommendations made
by your health care provider. Address all comments to the district
office. |
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