Question

Could someone help with the following discussion questions:

1. Are over the counter drugs safe or not?

2. Conduct a small informal survey among your coworkers, friends or family and find how many over the counter drugs they take, and if they know and understand the side effects and interactions with other prescribed drugs.

3. What is people's perception about over the counter medications and their effectiveness?

Answer 1

1.In general over the counter medications are easily available without a prescription. It is always not safe to take OTC for a longer period of time without a medical supervision and definitely will cause hate and hence not safe.

2.There are nearly 80 types of over the counter medications available without a prescription. In a single house one can find atleast two to three medication ( for fever, cold, pain killers,diarrhea, allergies, antacids,etc.,) Most of the public have a very minimal knowledge towards its action and interaction with other prescribed drugs. These drugs can interact with the medication taken to treat hypertension, gastrointestinal problems, etc.,Even the herbal supplements like Ginseng, Ginko,appetizer, weight loss loss products ,etc., easily interact and can cause severe adverse reactions

3.The people buy the medication if it is reffered by others ,friends ,family members, colleagues and simultaneously refers it to others if they find a relief.They have a belief on the quality of the drug because of its advertisements given by their favourite persons,celebrities, etc., on the mass media.By using this they tend to avoid visiting the provider for a complete check when symptoms disappear and in case if it reappears they reuse the medication until it is resolved.