Pharmacists Encourage Patients To Seek Their Guidance When Choosing OTC Me...( Eighty-three...),Health

Eighty-three percent of Patients Select OTC Products Recommended by Their Pharmacist

Washington, D.C. (Vocus) February 25, 2009 -- According to the most recent Pharmacy Today Over-the-Counter Product Survey conducted by the American Pharmacists Association (APhA), pharmacists believe that 83 percent of consumers purchase over-the-counter products that were recommended by their pharmacist. With more than 100,000 nonprescription medications on the market and more than 1,000 active ingredients, it's critical that patients consult their pharmacist to maximize the benefits from medications and minimize the potential for harmful drug interaction and/or side effects.

The survey, completed by nearly 1,000 APhA member and non-member pharmacists, also reveals that on average pharmacists counsel 31 patients per week about over the counter medications. Patients who seek their pharmacist's advice include patients suffering from an acute or chronic condition (92 percent), patients that are worried about using an OTC product with other prescription medications (84 percent), and patients worried about taking OTC products with a specific disease/condition (74 percent).

"Pharmacists are the only health professionals specifically trained in nonprescription medications," said John A. Gans, APhA's Chief Executive Officer. "Patients can take an active role in self care by reading medication labels, knowing the active ingredients in their medications, and asking their pharmacist questions."

One of APhA's goal in conducting the annual Pharmacy Today Over-the-Counter Product Survey is to educate consumers that pharmacists have the knowledge and training to help them select right OTC medications. As part of the survey, pharmacists are ask
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