Over-the-Counter Drugs

Over-the-counter drugs (OTC drugs) can be bought without a prescription but should be treated and taken with the same care as prescription drugs.  It is very important to read the label and to use the drug in the best and safest way.

The FDA has passed a law about the labels on OTC drugs.  The label on an OTC product will use common words that are easy to understand, the print should be big and easy to read, and the label should look the same and be in the same place on every product.

The following facts should be listed:

1.  Active ingredients - what is in the product that makes it work.
2.  What the drug is for.
3.  What problems it is used to treat.
4.  Who should not take the product and problems to watch out for.
5.  How much to take and when to take it.
6.  What else is in the product.  People should check if they are allergic to something in the drug.

By reading the label you should be able to compare products and choose the best one for your illness.  The product will work its best because you can use it the right way and you will have all the information you may need if there are problems.

To learn more go to the FDA Center for Drug Evaluation and Research.

Source of the above information:  FDA Office of Women's Health.