Over-the-counter medications can sometimes be very useful. They are easily accessible, but they are not without risks.
The term over-the-counter (OTC) medication refers to medication that, from a regulatory perspective, does not require a medical prescription, but must be supervised. It must be kept in a section of the pharmacy that is accessible to the public, but remains under the constant control and supervision of a pharmacist. Of course, these products can be purchased without necessarily consulting a pharmacist.
Self-medication with OTCs is common practice. It can be used to relieve, prevent or treat minor health issues (colds, pain, indigestion, sore throat, warts, etc.). Therefore, it is mainly reserved for minor everyday ailments, those that are easily recognized, for which the cause is known, and that occur occasionally without leading to severe symptoms or complications. To ensure the safe use of OTC medications, it is important to be aware of the possible risks involved.
To ensure the proper use of a drug, it is essential that the user have reliable, detailed and objective information. Although there is a great deal of information on the drug packaging, it is often insufficient. Above all, it does not take into account the specific characteristics of each individual taking a given medication. This is why it is recommended to speak to your pharmacist each time you wish to take an OTC medication.
The decision whether or not to take medication is an important one and should be assessed on a case-by-case basis. Here are a few examples of questions you should ask yourself before considering self-medication:
As a medication expert, your pharmacist can answer all these questions and more! If you live in Quebec, they can prescribe the medication you have selected, if it is beneficial to you.
Some people trivialize the use of OTC drugs and, consequently, make inappropriate or even risky use of them. Examples of inappropriate use (misuse) of OTC medications include not taking the correct dosage, combining incompatible medications, and using them for reasons other than therapeutic purposes.
Overuse of OTC drugs, whether or not it is intentional, can lead to serious consequences. In some cases, it can even lead to drug intoxication. Each year in Canada, there are reports of such incidents involving many different OTC drugs. Sometimes, a completely harmless medication at the recommended dose can be toxic when used in high doses. This is the case, for example, with acetaminophen.
The use of over-the-counter medications requires extra caution for certain people who are particularly vulnerable to the harmful effects of their use (let alone misuse). Here are some examples:
Here is some advice intended for optimal and safe use of OTCs:
In conclusion, OTC drugs are to a certain extent the protected domain of pharmacists. Team up with your pharmacist so you can get the most out of OTC drugs without exposing yourself to unnecessary risks.
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