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| |  Survey Highlights Important Information About Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers WASHINGTON, DC -- Oct. 27, 1998 -- Americans consume more than 50 billion non-prescription pain relief tablets each year that treat headaches, muscle aches and arthritis. Since the mid-1970s, 77 prescription medicines have switched to non-prescription or over-the-counter status and 34 of these switches have occurred during the 1990s alone. As consumer choices expand, so do the chances for product misuse. In response to this ever-growing marketplace, the American Pharmaceutical Association (APhA), the national professional society of pharmacists, commissioned a survey to examine consumer attitudes and behaviour regarding over-the-counter medicines. The survey found that many consumers fail to always read labels, are not consulting pharmacists and are not fully aware of the array of benefits and potential risks associated with non-prescription pain relievers. "Non-prescription medications play a valuable role in healthcare. When taken as directed, they're effective, safe, cost-efficient and convenient, but many consumers may not view non-prescription pain relievers as serious medicines," said John Gans, executive vice president, APhA. "There's no better time for pharmacists to take a leadership role in counselling consumers about proper dosing regimens, product benefits and potential risks associated with over-the-counter medicines." The national poll of 1,000 adults found that 85 percent have taken a non-prescription pain reliever at some point for pain and fevers and one-third report weekly use of these medicines. However, almost half of all adults (47 percent) concede that they don't always read medication labels, less than 40 percent consult pharmacists about these products and more than one-third say they aren't aware of risks sometimes associated with these medicines. Additionally, the survey results indicated: -- 85 percent have not heard of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs, a major class of pain relievers, which include aspirin and ibuprofen. -- Among those aware of NSAIDs, 44 percent are unable to link an ingredient to a specific product type even when prompted. (Examples of NSAIDs include aspirin like Bayer(R), ibuprofen like Advil(R) and Motrin(R) IB, and naproxen sodium like Aleve(R).) In fact, when trying to name an NSAID, more adults mistakenly say acetaminophen rather than aspirin. -- 74 percent of those surveyed did not associate stomach upset or bleeding with aspirin. -- 43 percent are not aware of potential risks from taking a non-prescription pain reliever and prescription medication at the same time. -- Only 35 percent of those over age 50 report that they always read the label, and yet this same group is the heaviest user of over-the-counter pain relievers accounting for a total of 52 percent of total consumption each year. -- More than 85 percent don't recognise that acetaminophen can be beneficial in treating osteoarthritis despite recommendations from the American College of Rheumatology that acetaminophen be the first-line therapy for patients suffering from osteoarthritis.
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