Video

Glen Discusses Problems Caused by Mixing OTC and Prescription Medicines

by MUST - Medication Use Safety Training for seniors


Drug interaction checker for Android


Articles

Many Americans Have Incomplete Knowledge About OTC Medicines
About 20 years ago, ibuprofen—the active ingredient found in both Advil and Motrin—was available to consumers only with a doctor’s prescription.

“OTC medications save the consumer time and money because they don’t have to go to the doctor every time they are sick,” says Kathy Johnson, Pharm.D., Ph.D., associate professor of clinical pharmacy and pharmaceutical economics and policy at the USC School of Pharmacy. “But, it is important to understand that non-prescription drugs should be used with the same amount of caution as prescription drugs.”

Using OTC Drugs Safely
Although consumers read drug labels for dosing information, many don’t fully understand other important drug facts, such as the active ingredient (the therapeutic substance), possible side effects, drug interactions and risks if misused, according to research by the Consumer Health Education Center.

Documents

Advice for Giving OTC Medicine to Children from the FDA

Use care when giving any medicine to an infant or a child. Even over-the-counter (OTC) medicines that you buy are serious medicines.

Drug Combinations Putting Seniors at Risk

A recent report estimated that adults over 65 account for more than 175,000 emergency department visits for adverse drug reactions each year.

Language Barriers Plague Almost Half of U.S. Drug Stores

Language Barriers Plague Almost Half of U.S. Drug Stores - Too many pharmacies can't safely help non-English-speaking clients

Cough and Cold Drugs Cause 7,100 ER Visits Yearly in Kids

Cough and cold medications given to children account for nearly 7,100 visits to emergency departments every year for adverse reactions.

Links

CBC News – Drug Conflicts

Women’s Health.gov – Parents Puzzled by Labels

Physorg – Ineffectiveness of Warning Labels

Guard against potential problems by being knowledgeable about your medications and how they make you feel.