According to the United Health Foundation, the misuse of over-the-counter medications accounts for a reported 178,000 hospitalizations annually. The campaign aims to tackle this problem by reminding consumers to always read and follow directions on product labels, to avoid taking more than one medication with the same active ingredients and to see a health care professional if any side effects occur.
The campaign is appearing through the end of the year in national print publications and online health and news sources, including People, Good Housekeeping, Better Homes & Gardens, Family Circle, Yahoo!, AOL, ABCNews.com and About.com. It is aimed at women aged 25-60, who are estimated to make 75% of all household health decisions.
“Over-the-counter medications are powerful drugs that must be used correctly if they are to work effectively,” said Dr Steven Galson, acting director of the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research at the FDA. “With the help of the United Health Foundation, we are educating consumers about important steps they can take, and how to work with their health professionals to use over-the-counter medications safely and appropriately for themselves and their families.”