Call for more information on over-the-counter medicines

Education programmes are needed to provide more information on over-the-counter (OTC) medicines for health professionals and patients, doctors have said in a new report.

The report, published by the British Medical Association’s Board of Science, says that it is “essential” that both doctors and patients understand the benefits and risks of OTC medicines, which enable people to take responsibility for their own health and reduces the need to see doctors about minor conditions.

The BMA report says that this is important, because self-management of medical conditions and long-term self-treatment to prevent ill health is likely to be more extensive in the future.

The report warned of some of the risks associated with some OTC medicines, which could have been “potentially dangerous” consequences, if combined with prescriptions drugs. These include the herbal drug, St John’s Wort, which can adversely affect some prescribed medication, such as blood-thinning drugs, such as warfarin, the contraceptive Pill and some anti-depressants.

The BMA also said that there were other problems, which patients needed to be aware of, such as the problems of painkiller overuse, which can lead to dependence in some people who use them on a daily basis.

The BMA said that there had been limited research on addiction to OTC medicines, but said that there was some evidence to suggest that a problem did exist. Research in Scotland found that over two thirds of community pharmacists reported suspicion of misuse of OTC medicines, with antihistamines, opiates, mild stimulants and laxatives being the most common medications used.

Dr Vivienne Nathanson, the BMA’s Head of Science and Ethics, said: “It is extremely important that the public realise that just because medicines are available over-the-counter does not mean that they are risk-free. Educational programmes and improved labelling will help people understand how to make the best use of over-the-counter medicines and take control of their illness.

“It is also important for doctors, especially GPs, to know if their patients are regularly taking any over-the-counter drugs. Doctors and pharmacists need to be aware that there are minority of people who are at risk of misusing and becoming addicted to some OTC medicines. Improved record keeping will help to identify this group.”

(KMcA/SP)