Push Down and Turn

1. ketoprofen Push Down and Turn guaifenesin aspirin acetaminophen Navigating the Over-the-Counter Medicine Aisle ibuprofen dextromethorphan Naproxen sodium phenylephrine

2. Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medicines • Medicines that • You buy off of the shelf at a drugstore or other retail location • You do not need a prescription from a healthcare provider to take • Have been approved by the FDA as safe for over-the-counter sales for most individuals

3. What does this medicine do? dextromethorphan cough suppressant Brand Names: Pertussin DM Extra Strength, Robitussin Maximum Strength Cough Suppressant, Vicks 44 Cough Relief guaifenesin Expectorant- helps to cough up mucous Brand Names: Mucinex DM, Vicks

4. What does this medicine do? Ibuprofen pain reliever fever reducer reduces swelling Other NSAIDs: ketoprofen, naproxen sodium, aspirin NSAID Brand Names: Advil, Excedrin, Motrin, Aleve acetaminophen pain reliever fever reducer Brand Names: Tylenol, Bayer Select Maximum Strength Headache Pain Relief Formula, Aspirin-Free Excedrin

5. What does this medicine do? Loratadine antihistamine Other antihistamines: diphenhydramine, chlorpheniramine, Clemastine Brand Names: Claritin, Benadryl Phenylephrine (PE) nasal decongestant Other nasal decongestants: pseudophedrine Brand Names: Tylenol Sinus, Sudafed, Triaminic

6. Brand Name vs. Generic • To advertise as a generic for a specific brand name product, the generic must be chemically the same! • It must act similarly with the same effectiveness.

7. Use OTC Medicines Safely • Speak with your healthcare provider or pharmacist • Read the label • Check the tamper-resistant packaging

8. Use OTC Medicines Safely – Speak with Your Healthcare Provider or Pharmacist • Taking other medications, either OTC or prescription? • Pregnant, breastfeeding, or trying to become pregnant? • Have an existing health condition?

9. Use OTC Medicines Safely – Read the Label (Drug Facts) • Active Ingredient(s) • Uses • Warnings • Directions • Other Information • Inactive Ingredients-fillers, dyes-can cause allergic reactions

10. Active Ingredients • Cause change in symptoms • Pay attention to active ingredients in combination drugs

11. Uses • Which symptoms the drug will help

12. Warnings • When you should and when you should not use a drug • Side effects/Precautions • Contraindications • Interactions with other medications • When to speak to a healthcare provider or pharmacist • Keep out of reach of children and pets!

13. Directions • How to use the drug safely • Child or Adult? • Proper dose • Frequency • How to take • How long to take • Reasons to stop • Overdose • Side effects

14. Other Information • How to store • Tamper-resistant packaging • Expiration Date • Lot and Batch Number • Questions/Contact information

15. Inactive Ingredients • Ingredients that don’t treat symptoms. • Color- an inactive ingredient • Flavor-an inactive ingredient • Lasting effects • State of medicine

16. Use OTC Medicines Safely – Check the Tamper-Resistant Packaging • Damage to outer package or seal • Damage to interior packaging • Discoloration

17. Supplements • Regulated differently by FDA • Manufacturer responsible for safety. • Does not need to provide proof of safety unless a “new dietary ingredient.” • No regulation of serving size or amount of nutrient. • Voluntary adverse reporting system.

18. Summary • Read labels carefully • Utilize available resources • Use common sense • Ask questions of your healthcare provider and pharmacist regarding medications.

19. IUPUI Health Services • Coleman Hall • See students for illness, minor injury, birth control, STI testing, etc. • Call 274-8214 for an appointment. • Contact nurse1@iupui.edu with health-related or service questions. • http://health.iupui.edu