Healthy Skepticism Library item: 8228

Warning: This library includes all items relevant to health product marketing that we are aware of regardless of quality. Often we do not agree with all or part of the contents.

Publication type: Journal Article

Americans at risk from self-medication, survey reveals
American Journal of Health System Pharmacy 1997 Dec 1; 54:2664, 2666

Abstract:

The results of a survey evaluating self-medication and OTC drug purchasing practices among 1202 U.S. adults, including direct to consumer (DTC) advertising, are summarized and discussed. Fully 84% of the respondents said that they had used an OTC pain reliever in the preceding yr; 80% said they had treated themselves for headache, 76% for upset stomach or heartburn, 73% for coughs and colds, and 71% for fever. Perceptions of the safety of OTC products varied, with 35% reporting they were very safe; 50%, somewhat safe; and 12%, either somewhat or very unsafe. Sources of OTC product information included product labeling, physicians, and pharmacists. Fifty-eight percent of respondents had a pharmacist they relied on for their pharmacy needs. Ninety-two percent said their physician or pharmacist had spoken with them about the potential adverse effects of prescription drugs; 85%, about the availability of generic equivalents; 89%, about potential prescription drug interactions; and 87%, about potential OTC drug interactions. Sixty-three percent of respondents said they had seen a DTC advertisement for a prescription drug, and 31% of these said they had spoken with their physician about the drug that was advertised.