Before Taking Another Over the Counter Medicine, Remember This Important Tip
Millions of Americans depend on over the counter medicines to deliver relief for minor ailments. However, the proper attention and consideration is not being given to what is on the labels.
A new survey suggests American consumers may be overly confident in their understanding of over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, which 8 in 10 of us take every year. In fact, the survey found that one-third of Americans say it is acceptable to simply skim the label of their OTC medicines—and 2 in 5 believe OTC directions are merely guidelines. On top of these attitudes, some consumers don’t understand the active ingredients in the most common OTCs they are taking.
We need to be conscious about the potential risks a lack of knowledge about our medicines can bring. Medicines can change and so does our health. Taking more than one medicine with the same active ingredient—whether prescription or OTC— or not paying attention to warnings and active ingredients can lead to taking too much of one ingredient or perhaps taking a medicine not appropriate for you. Reading the OTC label for warnings, active ingredients and directions matters – a lot.
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Emergency department physician Dr. Darria Gillespie joined me recently to discuss the importance of responsible use of over the counter medicines as an essential part of a regular health routine. It starts with reading every part of your medicine label, every time you use it.
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Take a look at our talk below.
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For more information and tips to safeguard you and your family when buying over the counter medicine, please visit: www.everylabeleverytime.com.
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Meet Our Guest:
Darria Long Gillespie, MD MBA, FACEP, is a board-certified emergency department physician and national spokesperson for the American College of Emergency Physicians.
As a board certified emergency physician, Dr. Long Gillespie is a frequent health expert on national TV and has appeared on CNN, CNBC, FoxNews Network, and The Dr. Oz show. In addition, she is a featured blogger on The Huffington Post’s “The Busy Woman’s Guide to Health…and Sanity”, and hosts Sharecare Radio on iHeart Radio’s RadioMD, an hourly live radio show and podcast.
Dr. Long Gillespie earned her medical degree from the University of Rochester School of Medicine, her residency in emergency medicine from Yale University School of Medicine, and her MBA from Harvard Business School. After residency she joined the faculty at Harvard.
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