Over the counter medicines also called OTC medicines – are medicines which can be bought  without a doctor’s without a prescription. Common over the counter medicines include pain relievers, laxatives, cough, colds and flu medicines, and antacids. You should discuss with your pharmacist/doctor about all over the counter medicines before you take it. Here are some important personal health care tips to remember:

1) Always read and follow the directions on the medicine label.
OTC medicine labels give you all the information you need to take the medicine the right way and tell you:

*The ingredients in the medicine.
*Active and inactive ingredients.
*What the medicine is used for.
*If the medicine is right for you and your problem
*Interactions or side effects that could happen.
*How and when (or when not) to take the medicine.
*Other warnings.

2) Ask your health care professional about the ingredients in the medicines
Both prescription and over the counter you are taking and whether there may be a conflict with other medicines. Your health care professional can help you avoid dangerous combinations or drug products that contain ingredients to which you are allergic or sensitive. If you feel that your medicine is not working for you, check with your doctor.

3) Choose products that treat only the symptoms you have
If you have a cough, buying cough medicine is what you need, not a multi-symptom, extra powerful cold medicine. Keep it simple and only look to treat your exact symptoms.

4) Keep a list of all the medicines and nutritional supplements you take and share it with your healthcare professional(s)
A personal medication record of all your medicines and over the counter medicines or products is helpful and should be brought along to all doctor appointments and share with your pharmacist.

5) Check for package tampering and the expiration date
Don’t buy medicines if the packaging has been broken or if the expiration date has passed. Medicine products with tamper-evident packaging have a statement on the packaging describing this safety feature. The expiration date tells you the date after which  you should not use the product.

6) Talk to your doctor if taking an over the counter medicine becomes a regular habit
Most OTC medicines are only to be used for a short time.

7) Bring any questions to your doctor
You need to talk to your doctor, pharmacist for more individual health care tips

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