• Don't quit quitting: Annual smokeout encourages cessation Nov 15, 2009
There are now five different types of nicotine replacement therapy, three over-the-counter products and two available by prescription. Nicotine patches, gum and lozenges are available without prescription, while the nicotine nasal spray and nicotine inhaler require a prescription from a health care provider. (Juneau Empire)
Tips To Reduce Gas And Flatulence Nov 14, 2009
Over-the-counter products that contain simethicone, charcoal or an enzyme that assists in breaking down beans and vegetables can help reduce gas. Experimenting with diet -- taking away certain foods and reintroducing them -- can help determine problem foods. (Science Daily)
Taking the kids this holiday season Nov 14, 2009
Just in case someone gets sick, bring along common over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen and ibuprofen, Dr. Tolcher suggests. Ask your pediatrician to recommend a physician in the area you'll be visiting, particularly if any of your kids has a chronic condition. (MSNBC -- Travel)
Teeth grinders are in for a shock Nov 14, 2009
"The broken sleep pattern caused by grinding can exacerbate any stresses or worries already being felt by the patient, and add an extra layer of anxiety to their lives. "They may also be resorting to over-the-counter painkillers to treat side effects, such as headaches, and finding that they are having to increase the dosage all the time. Results 'promising. (BBC News -- UK)
Healing Health Care: Dealing with health care fraud head-on Nov 13, 2009
"Hubris? No, I don't think so, and my ongoing good health is proof of that. Like when I got in a tizzy over a pain in my shoulder. An x-ray revealed a touch of arthritis. I asked about seeing a specialist. "Not necessary," he said. He then prescribed an over-the-counter analgesic to be taken in moderation, and demonstrated a specific exercise, both of which have alleviated the discomfort. Likely, that's exactly what a specialist would have done. He's not only my "guardian," but a guardian of my... (Green Valley News & Sun, AZ)
Fact or Fiction: Generic Drugs Are Bad for You Nov 13, 2009
Today, more than 40 percent of the active ingredients in generic and over-the-counter pharmaceuticals are produced in India and China and that number is only expected to increase: In the next few years a number of brand-name pharmaceuticals will be going off patent, with the expectation that within 10 years, 80 percent of the prescriptions Americans take will be generic ... Plus, the U.S. Pharmacopeia (USP), a standard-setting authority for prescription and over-the-counter meds, has recently... (Scientific American)
Combivir: The HIV Drug in Hasan's Shoebox Nov 13, 2009
Among the few belongings that Major Nidal Malik Hasan didn't give away, and left behind in his Casa del Norte apartment near Fort Hood, was his stash of prescription and over-the-counter medications. Stuffed into a shoe box and left in the laundry room, the collection included vitamins and an old bottle of an anti-HIV drug called Combivir. (Time.com)
Sharing Prescriptions Can Bring Harm, Not Healing Nov 13, 2009
If the borrower is already taking an over-the-counter pain reliever, such as Tylenol, he or she could be doubling the dose of acetaminophen, Vaida said. In one tragic case, a 6-year-old with neck pain was found unconscious in bed the day after her foster mother placed a leftover fentanyl patch on the girl's neck, ISMP reported. (MEDLINEplus)
CDC Tips on Recovering from the Swi... Nov 13, 2009
Over-the-counter (OTC) medications may be used to help alleviate H1N1 flu symptoms. Acetaminophen, ibuprofen, naproxen and other OTC medicines may be used to alleviate aches and pains and reduce fevers. (Suite101.com)
Unhappy patient Nov 13, 2009
Too many people use the ER that should make an appointment with a physician or buy over-the-counter medication to treat non-life threatening conditions. I worked in an ER and know that some young, healthy people came in because they were constipated and needed an enema. (Roanoke Rapids Daily Herald, NC)
Women's Health Office Funds Cut Nov 13, 2009
A compromise was finally reached last August that allowed over-the-counter sales of the drug to people at least 18 years old. Martha R. Nolan, a vice president at the Society for Women's Health Research, a Washington advocacy group, said that big budget bites in Washington are often the beginning of the end and that she worries that this is retribution for the Plan B controversy. (Yahoo News -- Women's Issues)
CVS to pay $875,000 in settlement over expired product sales Nov 12, 2009
The New York state Attorney General s Office has reached an $875,000 settlement with CVS Pharmacy Inc. to end its sale of expired products including over-the-counter drugs, baby formula, milk, and eggs at stores across New York state ... New Yorkers should not have to worry that their neighborhood pharmacy is selling expired over-the-counter drugs that may be harmful to themselves or their families, Attorney General Cuomo said Tuesday ... The settlement also requires CVS to post notices... (Hudson Register Star, NY)
Kids popping pills that can kill Nov 12, 2009
"Pot is still the No. 1 drug of choice for teens. But the prescription medications and over-the-counter medication abuse is becoming much more in vogue that it was 10 years ago," Markley said ... It's not only prescription medicine that kids are reaching for to get a buzz, but over-the-counter meds. (Fresno Bee -- Lifestyle)
Painkillers May Fight Alzheimer's Disease Nov 11, 2009
Over-the-counter painkillers such as ibuprofen or naproxen -- usually sold as Advil and Aleve -- may protect people from Alzheimer's disease, researchers reported. The finding was based on a study in mice. (Click2Houston, TX)
Breast cancer pain can last for years Nov 11, 2009
Fortunately, most breast cancer patients can ease their symptoms with over-the-counter pain relievers, says Loretta Loftus of Tampa's H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center, who co-wrote an accompanying editorial. Kehlet says his study underscores the need to improve care, both by finding ways to reduce nerve damage during surgery and by learning why some women have so much pain and others do not. (USA Today -- News)
Health Tip: Recording Your Child's Medical History Nov 11, 2009
All medications (both over-the-counter and prescription) that your child takes. Any previous health conditions or illnesses, such as asthma or diabetes. (MEDLINEplus)
Auction ends Swedish pharmacy monopoly Nov 10, 2009
The Apoteket chain of pharmacies is currently the sole provider of prescription medication in Sweden, and was until this month also the only provider of non-prescription drugs such as headache tablets or other over-the-counter products. As of November 1, Swedes wanting to buy non-prescription drugs can do so at selected stores, including some gas stations and grocery shops. (Yahoo News -- Pharmaceutical Industry News)
DOCTOR IS IN: Mindfulness with medications Nov 10, 2009
When your doctor prescribes medication, whether prescription or over-the-counter, ask questions about taking the medication, including: How long must the medication be taken ... When youre given your next prescription or buy over-the-counter medication at the drug store, remember to ask questions, fully share information with health care providers, take medications as directed and ensure safe medication practices. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Living)
Craftmade voluntary delists from Nasdaq Nov 10, 2009
Going forward, the Coppell-based company s shares will trade on the OTCQZ, which is a tier of the over-the-counter market. The shares will be listed under the ticker symbol: (OTCQX: CRFT). (Dallas Business Journal, TX)
Three anniversaries Nov 10, 2009
The subject changed from the threat of terrorists with atomic bombs to the threat of bankers with financial bombs, in the form of unexploded "toxic assets" with strange names like credit default swaps and over-the-counter derivatives. There was a brief upsurge in optimism, when a young, vigorous, mixed-race senator named Barack Obama was elected president of the United States. (Salon)
New norms for ads on emergency contraceptive pills Nov 10, 2009
Led by the Drug Controller General of India (DGCI), DTAB decided not to revoke the over-the-counter status of the ECP medicines because making them prescription-based would defeat the basic purpose of an emergency pill ... 2 million tablets, seven brands of emergency contraceptives sold over-the-counter in India. (India Times)
Teens' abuse of cough medications soaring Nov 10, 2009
The ingredient sought by youthful drug abusers is dextromethorphan, or DXM, which comes in a wide variety of over-the-counter pills and syrups that researchers say are promoted by Web sites telling users how to take them recreationally ... "The Internet has fueled the fire, and the only way to address it is through education,'' said Elizabeth Assey, a spokeswoman for the Consumer Healthcare Products Association, a Washington organization of over-the-counter drugmakers. The organization contends... (Yahoo News -- Substance Use)
5 Cold-Fighting Foods Nov 10, 2009
When we get sick, we reach for over-the-counter chemical concoctions. The modern miracle juice comes in a dazzling rainbow of colors one for every cold or flu symptom imaginable. (Fox News)
Omega Pharma sells Arseus stake Nov 9, 2009
The deal would enable Omega Pharma to strengthen its balance sheet with cash revenue that could be invested in its over-the-counter (OTC) core business, Omega Pharma Chief Strategy Officer Sam Sabbe said in the statement. Read business stories in. (India Times)
Effort helps Iowans dispose of unwanted medication Nov 9, 2009
Kate Gainer, vice president of professional affairs for the pharmacy association, said the goal is to provide Iowans with a safe, easy way to dispose of unwanted and expired over-the-counter and prescription medications. "Every day pharmacists are asked 'What can we do with our unused medication?'" she said. (Muscatine Journal, IO)
Warmer Homes Mean Better Health For Poor People, Study Suggests Nov 9, 2009
But doctors are asking parents to resist the urge to give children under the age of 6 over-the-counter cough. (Dec. (Science Daily)
Most Parents, High-priority Adults Who Tried To Get H1N1 Vaccine For Themselves And Children Unable To Get It, Poll Finds Nov 8, 2009
11, 2008) Following months riddled with recalls for lead-tainted toys and kids' over-the-counter cough and cold medications, many Americans now wonder: Are consumer alerts enough to protect children from. (Sep. (Science Daily)
FDA Warning: Sex Pill May Carry Health Dangers Nov 7, 2009
FDA Warning: Over-the-Counter Sex Enhancement Drug May Cause 'Dangerously' Low Blood Pressure. Friday, November 06, 2009. (Fox News)
Local health investigation sheds light on gastroschisis birth defect Nov 7, 2009
In addition, case mothers were nine times more likely than control-group mothers to report having taken over-the-counter medications for these infections during pregnancy. Case mothers were more than four times as likely as control-group mothers to report use of at least one vasoconstrictive recreational drug before pregnancy. (EurekAlert!)
Senior Amputee May Have Allergic Sk... Nov 7, 2009
Over-the-counter (OTC) topical antibiotics (particularly Neomycin). Adhesives, including tape. (Suite101.com)
Alito picks up another Democrat Nov 7, 2009
Ginsburg had been on a plane bound for London with three of her colleagues, but according to a statement released by the court, "Prior to the plane taking off, the justice experienced extreme drowsiness causing her to fall from her seat." The court says that Ginsburg's doctors believe the incident was the result of a reaction to medicine, specifically a prescription sleeping aid and an over-the-counter cold medicine. Ginsburg had surgery for pancreatic cancer in February, which she said was... (Salon)
Sex Pill Isn't 'All Natural,' May Be Dangerous Nov 7, 2009
The U.S. food and drug safety watchdog warned Thursday that an over-the-counter men's sex aid, labeled as all natural, contains a chemical similar to the active ingredient in Viagra and could be dangerous. "Stiff Nights, a product marketed as a dietary supplement for sexual enhancement, contains an ingredient that can dangerously lower blood pressure and is illegal," said a statement from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). (Newsmax)
FDA Plan Seeks To Curb Accidental Overdoses Nov 6, 2009
One problem the agency hopes to address is liver damage caused by acetaminophen, the active ingredient in Tylenol and other over-the-counter pain relievers. Those medications cause an estimated 55,000 trips to the emergency room annually, according to federal data. (KIRO TV, WA)
Health Tip: Keep a Health Journal Nov 6, 2009
All prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins or supplements taken. Be sure to include the dose and how often you take them. (MEDLINEplus)
Dems' Healthcare Means Tax Increases Nov 6, 2009
The second tax increase is the elimination of tax-free reimbursements for over-the-counter medicine. Under current tax rules, payments for over-the-counter medicine may be reimbursed, tax-free, if a worker is covered under an FSA or health savings account (HSA). (Human Events Online)
Ditch new drugs, take older meds to cut costs Nov 5, 2009
But a drug from the same family, that works the same way, is available over-the-counter for about $20 a month as Prilosec. Here are some important points to consider when looking to cut your prescription bill. (MSNBC -- Health)
Flex spending accounts face hit in health overhaul Nov 5, 2009
WASHINGTON Those tax-free spending accounts that you and your co-workers use to help pay for dental work, insurance copayments or over-the-counter drugs face a hit under the health overhaul bills in Congress unless a coalition that includes a powerful union, insurers and others can stop it ... Workers can use the accounts to save pretax income, which then can be used to reimburse a range of medical expenses, including dental and vision costs, prescription and over-the-counter medications and... (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- World)
Smart Rx: Drugs that work and won't break the bank Nov 5, 2009
But Prilosec, which works the same way, is available over-the-counter for about $20 a month. Here are some important points to consider. (AZCentral -- Business)
Green tea shows promise as chemoprevention agent for oral cancer, M. D. Anderson study finds Nov 5, 2009
The researchers also stressed that the green tea extract studied in this trial was never sold over-the-counter and/or the Internet, both of which are not highly regulated. Rather, the compound was exclusively developed as a pharmaceutical. (EurekAlert!)
Thorpe moves to scuttle doping claims Nov 4, 2009
November 04, 2009 10:11pm AEDT. IAN Thorpe has provided the country's drug testing agency with medical evidence in an attempt to clear his name of doping. (Yahoo News -- Swimming)
Norway To Offer OTC Swine Flu Drugs Nov 4, 2009
OSLO (November 3, 2009)--Norway is allowing over-the-counter sales of flu medicines Tamiflu and Relenza in response to the rapid spread of swine flu. Health Minister Anne-Grete Stroem-Erichsen said Tuesday that abolishing the need for prescriptions will allow Norway to "more easily handle" the pandemic. (KWTX.com, TX)
Try Virtual Hairstyles Nov 4, 2009
Try these over-the-counter anti-aging alternatives. Does the standard Rx for reducing wrinkles and sunspots also thin your skin in the long run. (Good Housekeeping, US)
Betsy Wadland: You know you should quit smoking, now's the time to do it Nov 4, 2009
There are over-the-counter and prescription drugs available. Talk to your doctor about your best options. (Belmont Citizen Herald, MA)
Common Pain Relievers May Dilute Power Of Flu Shots Nov 4, 2009
"What we've been saying all along, and continue to stress, is that it's probably not a good idea to take common, over-the-counter pain relievers for minor discomfort associated with vaccination," Phipps said ... Phipps' research has tested whether production of antibodies using a cell culture system was blunted by over-the-counter pain relievers. (Science Daily)
An Elemental Solution: Using Zinc to Stave Off Childhood Diarrhea in Developing Countries Nov 4, 2009
OVER-THE-COUNTER SOLUTIONS: Affordable zinc pills may be the ticket to avoiding many of the diarrhea-related deaths in countries such as Bangladesh (pictured above) ... In Bangladesh Larson and his team eventually switched from a pharmaceutical firm to a bottled distributor a group that didn't have a vested interest in higher profit prescription drugs and had experience with over-the-counter distribution. (Scientific American)
Study: Pain Relievers Blunt Vaccines Nov 4, 2009
Research Offers Further Evidence That Over-the-Counter Drugs Blunt Effectiveness of Vaccines ... Over-the-counter painkillers like Tylenol and Advil may blunt the effectiveness of vaccines, a new study finds ... "What weve been saying all along, and continue to stress, is that it's probably not a good idea to take common, over-the-counter pain relievers for minor discomfort associated with vaccination," Phipps said in a statement. (CBS News -- Health)
EC pills: Aggressive marketing strategies Nov 4, 2009
Did you know that in India the combined over-the-counter sales were 8. 2 million tablets over the last year. (India Times)
Oncology drug company GenSpera takes stock public Nov 4, 2009
The stock opened at $2 per share on the Over-the-Counter Bulletin Board. GenSpera is a development stage oncology company that was incorporated in 2003. (San Antonio Business Journal, TX)
Goodell wants law changed Nov 3, 2009
The players acknowledged taking the over-the-counter weight loss supplement StarCaps, which did not state on the label that it contained bumetanide. Neither player is accused of taking steroids. (Boston Globe)
Augusta schools extends absentee note policy Nov 3, 2009
Other factors that contributed to the extension: an insufficient supply of the seasonal flu vaccine; the unavailability of H1N1 vaccine until this week; tests verifying the H1N1 vaccine are expensive and not always administered by doctors; and parents are being told to have their child see a doctor only if the child has a high fever that doesn't respond to over-the-counter medicine. According to school policy, notes are required when a student is out of school after five absences. (The Augusta Chronicle)
Market Forecaster Nov 3, 2009
The House Agriculture Committee has approved legislation to increase transparency and strengthen oversight to the over-the-counter (OTC) swaps and derivatives markets. The bill requires clearing all OTC swap transactions by an accepted clearing house, a move that would move the swaps onto regulated exchanges or electronic platforms. (Midwest Bulls Eye, NE)
Women's Health Office Funds Cut Nov 1, 2009
A compromise was finally reached last August that allowed over-the-counter sales of the drug to people at least 18 years old. Martha R. Nolan, a vice president at the Society for Women's Health Research, a Washington advocacy group, said that big budget bites in Washington are often the beginning of the end and that she worries that this is retribution for the Plan B controversy. (Yahoo News -- Women's Issues)
Look for ways to save on eyeglasses Nov 1, 2009
Some consumers are switching to over-the-counter reading glasses as a way to save money and meet their vision needs ... Magnivision, a Rhode Island maker of over-the-counter reading glasses, says sales are up 6 percent over the past few months for their products, which include new eco-friendly and luxury fashion lines that cost between $14. (Boston Globe)
Trust-busting health insurance industry Nov 1, 2009
I was recently denied insurance coverage due to a minor pre-existing condition - acid reflux - which was being treated with an over-the-counter drug. The news is filled with stories of people with a significant, on-going illness or those who have had cancer who cannot get insurance. (Boerne Star, TX)
Therapeutic Value of Reishi Nov 1, 2009
While the active constituents of Reishi mushrooms exert favorable effects, they may also interfere with or potentiate the effects of prescription or over-the-counter medications. Some possible interactions include. (Suite101.com)
White House Jitters Nov 1, 2009
If you can solve your problem with an over-the-counter drug, shouldn't we be encouraging people, rather than slapping an $8 billion tax on them. COLBY: You know, Karl. (Fox News)
Indoor Allergies or Perennial Aller... Nov 1, 2009
In mild to moderate cases of indoor allergies symptoms can be controlled through environmental changes, avoidance of allergens and over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription drug therapy. In moderate to severe cases, allergy testing may be recommended. (Suite101.com)
Piersee gets 2 life sentences in death of wife, son Oct 31, 2009
Prosecutors have never offered a motive for the killings, but said Piersees use of marijuana and over-the-counter cough medicine were contributing factors. ADVERTISEMENT. (Keokuk Daily Gate City, IO)
Swine flu pushes Erie ERs to record-breaking numbers Oct 31, 2009
The doctor then told her to go home, get plenty of rest and take Motrin, an over-the-counter pain reliever and fever reducer. Two days later, Tech received the test results that she did have swine flu. (Erie Times-News, PA)
New tests for identifying potentially deadly adulterants in pharmaceutical ingredients Oct 31, 2009
October 30, 2009 To further protect patients from adulterated medicines, the U.S. Pharmacopeial Convention (USP) today announced revised standards for four ingredients widely used in prescription and over-the-counter drugs ... USP is a nonprofit, scientific organization that sets legally recognized standards designating the identity, quality, purity, strength and consistency of prescription and over-the-counter medications and their ingredients in the United States. (EurekAlert! -- Business News)
Research and Markets: Movie Rental Industry Drives Home Entertainment Market Oct 31, 2009
Consumer spending through DVD rental vending machines is currently dwarfed by traditional over-the-counter rental (kiosks accounted for just two per cent of total DVD rental spending in the US in 2007). The report covers Worldwide Movie Rental market with a detailed description of United States and European Markets. (Yahoo! Wire -- Entertainment News)
Popular cold, pain drugs face ban due to side effects Oct 31, 2009
Besides taking a decision on banning certain drugs or restricting the use of some, DTAB will examine next month whether emergency contraceptive pills should be available over-the-counter (OTC) as reports of their misuse are frequent. It will also take a decision on whether letrozole, approved for use in breast cancer, should be used for infertility treatment or not, a health ministry official told TOI.. (India Times, India)
H1N1: A Parents' Guide Oct 31, 2009
-Do not give over-the-counter cold medicines to children younger than 4 years of age. The safest care for flu symptoms in children younger than 2 years of age is using a cool-mist humidifier and a suction bulb to help clear away mucus. (CBS News -- Health)
Misunderstood drug helps skin conditions, helps prevent cancers Oct 31, 2009
11:48 PM CDT on Friday, October 30, 2009. Meg Farris / Eyewitness News. (WWLTV.com, LA)
Sanofi Sees Profit Gain From Swine Flu as Generic Competition Erodes Sales Oct 31, 2009
Viehbacher said in the interview that hes looking for deals valued at less than $10 billion in vaccines, emerging markets and over-the-counter medicines. Sanofi fell 1. (Bloomberg -- Europe)
