Misconceptions about OTC safety
A US study has revealed widespread misconceptions and potentially dangerous ignorance about the safety of OTC NSAIDs (J Rheumatol 2005;32:2218-24).

Investigators report two surveys carried out 5 years apart. In 1997, 17 percent of 4,799 people reported using an NSAID. Of these, 30 percent used only a prescribed NSAID, 32 percent used only an OTC NSAID but 38 percent said they used both. Ibuprofen accounted for 57 percent of OTC analgesics purchased. Just over half of respondents were not aware of the adverse effects of NSAIDs; about one-third believed prescribed NSAIDs were safer than OTC NSAIDs, and another third believed the opposite. Among those using OTC NSAIDs exclusively, a quarter took them daily and a quarter regularly exceeded the recommended dose. Twenty-nine percent believed they were at no risk of adverse effects and 22 percent believed there would always be a warning sign before they experienced an adverse effect.

The 2002 survey identified 3,557 people who reported NSAID use in the previous year. Half said they were little or not at all concerned about the adverse effects of OTC analgesics; most did not read the dose instructions (70 percent) or the directions for use (80 percent) and 44 percent exceeded the recommended dose. One-third took an OTC analgesic and a cough or cold remedy at the same time.

The IIF always recommends that consumers take medicines according to instructions from healthcare
practitioners or according to the instructions on the pack.

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