Over the counter (OTC or non-prescription) drugs
As with prescription drugs, older adults consume
more OTC drugs and dietary supplements than the rest of
the population. Using OTC drugs to treat common complaints
saves billions of dollars per year. The Food and Drug
Administration regulates OTC drugs and determines if they
are safe enough to be sold directly to consumers rather
than being prescribed. The FDA can also take legal action
against manufacturers of products that are found to be
unsafe or make unsubstantiated claims about their products.
All the information needed to take the product
safely is required to be on the label, including warnings about possible
side effects or interactions with other drugs.
OTC drugs are still drugs and should be treated with respect.
As more
drugs become available over-the-counter, older adults have more opportunity
for self-medication. Always read the labels! If you have trouble doing
so, ask your doctor or pharmacist to help - don't guess! Always tell
your doctor what OTC products or dietary supplements you are taking
whenever your medications are reviewed to minimize the risk of drug
interactions.
Dietary supplements
Items that are considered dietary supplements under federal
law include vitamin and mineral products, herbs and botanicals
and amino acids.
For more information on non-prescription drugs and
products see the
Consumer
Healthcare Products Association web site. This trade association over 120 years
old and represents manufacturers of OTC, non-prescription medicines and
dietary supplements.
CHPA estimates that 70% of Americans are currently
using vitamin and mineral supplements and 25% are using herbal products.
Their Web site contains useful articles for consumers, seniors and older
women about non-prescription drugs and dietary supplements, but does not
provide information on specific products.
Most vitamins and minerals are obtained from food, although some healthcare
practitioners believe that because we eat such highly-processed
food that we can't obtain all we need without taking supplements.
Older adults, particularly those who are socially isolated,
may be unable to shop or prepare meals that contain adequate
amounts of nutrients. For more information on vitamins and
possible side-effects of high doses, read MDAdvice.com's pages
on Vitamins
and Minerals.
Search for information on specific drugs.
