AASRA MAGAZINE: Connecting Communities Since 2006

I was glad to read the wonderful cover story, "Healthcare" in your April issue. I just thought to share some of the information on the over-the-counter medicines that I came across.
When we buy medicines over-the-counter (OTC), we sometimes forget that they are drugs without a prescription. But they are, and the misuse of OTC drugs causes 178,000 hospitalizations a year.

According to the Food and Drug Administration, the best way to take your OTC medicine is seriously.

Here are some tips:

• Read and follow directions on the OTC drug facts label.
• Choose an OTC medicine that treats only the problem you have.
• Don’t use expired medicines.
• If your OTC is causing a side effect, or if you have any other questions or concerns about your OTC medicine, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
• For children’s medicines, keep in mind that children are not small adults. Ask your pharmacist or doctor what is best for your child.

For more information, visit http://www.fda.gov

- Yudhjit Khalsa, Seattle