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Our weekly news column bringing the most current, non-biased health
information to the consumer. |
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May 04, 2010 |
A Publication of QVHD |
Over The Counter (OTC) Medicines
By: V. Deborah Culligan, RN, MPH,
Deputy Director QVHD
There are many OTC
medicines available in pharmacies, general merchandise stores and
grocery stores. Many people mistakenly believe that OTC medicines are
safer than prescription medicines because you don't need a prescription
to purchase them. But this idea is incorrect! As patents expire on drugs
and in response to demand from consumers, there are more classes of
medications available OTC than in previous years.
And many can be dangerous when not used correctly or when used in
combination with other drugs or dietary supplements.
Safe OTC use relies upon you, the consumer, taking the initiative to
understand what you are taking, why you are taking it and how it can
interfere with other medications. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
has launched a campaign to increase your knowledge of safely using OTC
medicines in your home. You can access this campaign at
www.fda.gov/medsinmyhome .
Some of the information discussed on the website is presented here.
One place that you can get most of the information you need to know
about an OTC medication is from the “Drug Facts” label (although the
print is often very tiny!) In the U.S. , all OTC medicines are required
to have this label. You should review this label for every OTC product
that you take. The “Drug Facts” label will tell you the medicine's
ingredients, what the medication is supposed to treat, if there are
reasons to talk to your doctor before taking the medication and how you
should correctly use the medicine. The FDA recommends the “Right in 5
Ways” rule for OTC medications. Use the “Drug Facts” label to determine:
if it is the right medicine for the right person in the right amount at
the right time and in the right way (swallow, chew, apply to skin.)
It is important to note the active ingredients in OTC products,
especially if you are using more than one product at a time. Products
that treat multiple symptoms may have several active ingredients. You
may be getting too much of one ingredient without knowing it if you
don't read the labels.
In addition to using the “Drug Facts” label, talk to your doctor, nurse
or pharmacist if you have a question about a medication. They can help
you to avoid medicines that don't mix well together or are not
appropriate for your problem. Keep a record of what OTC products you
use, including dietary supplements and vitamins. Share this record with
your healthcare provider.
It is great that we can obtain many OTC medications to help us with our
health problems. Great, that is, if you are sure you are using the RIGHT
medication in the RIGHT amount for the problem. You need to take OTC
medications seriously and safely. If you would like a free
information package on OTC medications and general safety use, district
residents can call QVHD, 203 248-4528 or request on line,
www.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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