Over-the-counter (OTC) medicine, also known as nonprescription medicine, can be purchased without a prescription and is generally safe when used according to label instructions. The FDA regulates OTC drug labeling to ensure consumer safety and understanding, with a standardized 'drug facts' label introduced to enhance clarity. While OTC drugs are more accessible than prescription medications, users should be aware of the potential risks and benefits associated with their use.

1. OTC
Over-the-counter medicine

2. Over-the-counter medicine
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+ Over-the-counter medicine is also known as OTC or
nonprescription medicine.
+ All these terms refer to medicine that you can buy
without a prescription.
+ They are safe and effective when you follow the
directions on the label and as directed by your health
care professional.

3. Why reading label of OTC medicine is very
important?
+ Whenever you use an over-the-counter (OTC) medicine,
reading the drug product's labeling is important for taking
care of yourself and your family.
+ The label tells you what the medicine is supposed to do,
who should or shouldn't take it, and how to use it.
+ The labeling of OTC medicines has always contained
usage and safety information for consumers.
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4. + The labeling of OTC medicines has always contained
usage and safety information for consumers.
+ With the introduction of the "Drug Facts" label, the
information is more uniform and easier to read and
understand.
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5. + In the Federal Register of March 1999, the Food and
Drug Administration published the OTC Drug Facts Label
regulation.
+ This regulation required most OTC drug products to
comply with the new format and content requirements by
May 2002.
+ Manufacturers may continue to use old-format labels until
their inventories are exhausted.
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6. + And interesting fact is
+ The OTC labeling rule applies to more than 100,000 OTC
drug products.
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7. FDA regulation about the OTC
+ FDA regulations ensure that OTC drugs are safe and
that the labels are easy to understand.
+ OTC drugs can be bought and used safely without the
need for a prescription.
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8. + All OTC drug products have to meet FDA quality,
effectiveness, and safety standards.
+ While easier to obtain and use than prescription drugs, it
is important to understand that these products are
medicines and not without risks.
+ Before using any medicine you should think through the
benefits and the risks to make the best choice for you.
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9. Types of OTC products.
+ These include pain relievers and fever reducers;
antiperspirants; cough
+ and cold medicines; toothpastes with fluoride;
emergency contraceptives; weight loss medicine;
heartburn medicines; acne remedies; hair re-growth
solutions; and sunscreens, to name a few. Most cough
and cold medicines are OTC products.
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10. Safety standards of OTC medicine
+ The safety standards for an OTC drug can be
even higher than those that may support the
marketing of a prescription drug.
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11. + To further ensure the safe use of OTC
products, FDA conducts studies to learn if
potential OTC consumers understand the Drug
Facts label, can properly choose the medicine
for their needs, and use it according to the
directions.
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12. + Medicines in My Home (MIMH) is a multimedia
educational program to teach consumers from
adolescence through adulthood how to choose
over-the-counter medicines and use them
safely.
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