Americans rely on accessible and cost-effective over-the-counter (OTC) medicines to get well, stay well, and feel well. Nearly all primary care physicians surveyed recommend OTC medicines to their patients without reservation.

1. Understanding the value of and
trust in over-the‐counter medicines.
Americans rely on accessible and cost-effective over-the-counter
(OTC) medicines to get well, stay well, and feel well. Nearly all
primary care physicians surveyed recommend OTC medicines
to their patients without reservation.
98% of primary care physicians
report they trust OTC medicines
98 %
and recommend them to their
patients.
What drives primary care physicians’ trust in OTC
medicines?
Of 20 different trust criteria, the most important to primary care physicians are:
An OTC medicine they know An OTC medicine An OTC medicine they
will achieve successful they know will work know will be as effective
patient outcomes. consistently. as a prescription.*
OTC medicines contribute
valuable savings to the
U.S. healthcare system.
For every $1 spent on OTC medicines,
the U.S. healthcare system saves $6–$7, U.S. Healthcare
contributing a total of $102 billion in
savings each year.
OTC medicines play a vital role in Americans’ lives.
61 million Americans have avoided missing work, school, and scheduled
appointments due to an illness, adding up to a savings of $23 billion in
potential productivity benefits.
A
*When used and stored as directed, OTC medicines are effective in providing relief for everyday ailments and helping to
address personal health and wellness issues.
Sources: Understanding Trust in Over-the-Counter Medicines: Consumer and Healthcare Provider Perspectives, Nielsen
and IMS, Mar. 2013. The Value of OTC Medicine to the United States, Booz & Co., Jan. 2012.