The Effects of Four Label Design Parameters on Perceived Reliability, Efficacy and Intent to Purchase of Over-the-counter Medication

1998 ◽  
Vol 42 (6) ◽  
pp. 546-549 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marc L. Resnick
Keyword(s):  
Medical Care ◽  
Prescription Drugs ◽  
Herbal Remedies ◽  
Design Parameters ◽  
Over The Counter ◽  
Medical Needs ◽  
Intent To Purchase ◽  
Counter Medication ◽  
The Government ◽  
The Cost

The cost of medical care has been skyrocketing for many years. One solution being promoted by both the government and medical industry is to increase the effectiveness and prevalence of self care and prevention. By managing for their own medical needs, patients can significantly reduce the cost of their medical care by replacing expensive prescription drugs with over-the-counter (OTC) products. The establishment of the Office of Alternative Medicine by the National Institutes of Health has legitimized the inclusion of herbal remedies in this plan. However, the labeling guidelines for OTC products are vague and under constant debate. This research evaluates the effects of several label content parameters regarding indication and effectiveness claims. Subjects were provided with labels for fictitious herbal and chemical medical products and asked to report their perceptions of the reliability of the claim, the products' effectiveness, and their likelihood of purchasing the product. Parameters included the originator of the claim (FDA, doctor groups, Harvard University and athletes), usability factors, product type (chemical, herbal), and disorder. The results have significant implications for the development of labeling guidelines for consumer-focused products.

scholarly journals Over-the-Counter Sale of Antibiotics in India: A Qualitative Study of Providers’ Perspectives across Two States

Antibiotics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (9) ◽  
pp. 1123
Author(s):  
Anita Kotwani ◽  
Jyoti Joshi ◽  
Anjana Sankhil Lamkang
Keyword(s):  
Prescription Drugs ◽  
Action Plan ◽  
Public Healthcare ◽  
Indian States ◽  
Over The Counter ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Inappropriate Use ◽  
Awareness Campaigns ◽  
Poor Access ◽  
The Government

India has one of the highest rates of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) worldwide. Despite being prescription drugs, antibiotics are commonly available over-the-counter (OTC) at retail pharmacies. We aimed to gain insight into the OTC sale of antibiotics at retail pharmacies and to elucidate its underlying drivers. We conducted face-to-face, in-depth interviews using convenience sampling with 22 pharmacists and 14 informal dispensers from 36 retail pharmacies across two Indian states (Haryana and Telangana). Thematic analysis revealed that antibiotics were often dispensed OTC for conditions e.g., fever, cough and cold, and acute diarrhea, which are typically viral and self-limiting. Both Access and Watch groups of antibiotics were dispensed for 1–2 days. Respondents had poor knowledge regarding AMR and shifted the blame for OTC practices for antibiotics onto the government, prescribers, informal providers, cross practice by alternative medicine practitioners, and consumer demand. Pharmacists suggested the main drivers for underlying OTC dispensing were commercial interests, poor access to public healthcare, economic and time constraints among consumers, lack of stringent regulations, and scanty inspections. Therefore, a comprehensive strategy which is well aligned with activities under the National Action Plan-AMR, including stewardship efforts targeting pharmacists and evidence-based targeted awareness campaigns for all stakeholders, is required to curb the inappropriate use of antibiotics.

scholarly journals THE IMPACT OF AN EDUCATION INTERVENTION: IMPROVING COMMUNICATION BETWEEN OLDER ADULTS AND HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S909-S909
Author(s):  
Janna Heyman ◽  
Linda White-Ryan ◽  
Peggy Kelly
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Educational Intervention ◽  
Prescription Drugs ◽  
Medication Use ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Over The Counter ◽  
Medical Needs ◽  
The Impact

Abstract As people age, ensuing physical and psychological problems can increase, which makes it paramount to be comfortable discussing medical needs with health care professionals, particularly in light of the danger associated with misunderstanding medication use and combining alcohol with prescriptions and/or over the counter medications (National Institute on Aging, 2018). National studies found that about 40 percent of adults ages 65 and older drink alcohol and often do not understand the dangers of combining alcohol with medications (National Institute for Alcohol and Alcohol Abuse, 2008). An educational intervention was developed with a team of expert physicians, nurses, pharmacists and social workers who work in gerontology to focus on improving communication and addressing alcohol and medication use for older adults. A randomized controlled trial was conducted to assess whether the educational intervention improved older adults’ comfort in communicating with their health care providers, as well as their knowledge of the concomitant use of alcohol and prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medications. Results of a MANCOVA showed that those in the intervention group showed larger increases in scores on communication with their health providers and knowledge about the implications of combining alcohol with prescription drugs than those in the control group (Wilks’ Lamda=.808, F(3,76)=6.039, p=.001<.05). In addition, linear regression models showed that the intervention was significantly associated with participants’ knowledge of the implications of combining alcohol with prescription drugs. The coefficient across models was approximately 1.00, which represented a substantial increase given the average score of 6.5.

scholarly journals Drug Poisoning Deaths according to Ethnicity in Utah

2013 ◽  
Vol 2013 ◽  
pp. 1-6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ray M. Merrill ◽  
Riley J. Hedin ◽  
Anna Fondario ◽  
Arielle A. Sloan ◽  
Carl L. Hanson
Keyword(s):  
Prescription Drugs ◽  
Illicit Drugs ◽  
Reporting System ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Prescription Drug Abuse ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Over The Counter ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Counter Medication ◽  
Poisoning Deaths

This study characterizes drug-related deaths according to ethnicity in Utah during 2005–2010, based on data from the Utah Violent Death Reporting System (UTVDRS). Hispanics made up 12.1% (12.5% male and 11.7% female) of deaths. The most frequently identified drugs among decedents were opiates, then illicit drugs, benzodiazepines, over-the-counter medication, and antidepressants. Death rates for each drug were significantly greater in non-Hispanics than Hispanics. Most decedents used a combination of drugs. For each combination, rates were significantly greater for non-Hispanics than Hispanics, with an exception for opiates and illicit drugs combined, where there was no significant difference. Approximately 79% of non-Hispanics and 65% of Hispanics had one or more of the selected problems (e.g., mental, physical, or crisis related). Rates for each combination of problems were significantly greater in non-Hispanics, with the exception of crisis. Hispanics were less affected by the rise in prescription drug abuse. Hispanic decedents had a greater proportion of illegal drugs, consistent with it being more difficult to obtain prescription drugs. Hispanic decedents were less likely to have physical and mental health problems, which may be related to a smaller chance of diagnosis of such problems through the healthcare system.

scholarly journals Patterns of prescription dispensation and over-the-counter medication sales in Sweden during the COVID-19 pandemic

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (8) ◽  
pp. e0253944
Author(s):  
Pär Karlsson ◽  
Aya Olivia Nakitanda ◽  
Lukas Löfling ◽  
Carolyn E. Cesta
Keyword(s):  
Age Groups ◽  
Prescription Medication ◽  
Public Authorities ◽  
Over The Counter ◽  
Metropolitan Regions ◽  
Aggregated Data ◽  
Medical Products ◽  
Defined Daily Doses ◽  
Counter Medication ◽  
The Government

Introduction On February 26th 2020, a high alert was issued in Sweden in response to the diagnosis of the first few coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases in the country. Subsequently, a decreased supply of essential goods, including medical products, was anticipated. We aimed to explore the weekly patterns of prescription dispensing and over-the-counter (OTC) medication sales in Sweden in 2020 compared with previous years, to assess the influence of the government restrictions on medication sales, and to assess whether there is evidence of medication stockpiling in the population. Methods Aggregated data on the weekly volume of defined daily doses (DDDs) of prescription medication dispensed and OTC sales from 2015 to 2020 were examined. From 2015–2019 data, the predicted weekly volume of DDDs for 2020 was estimated and compared to the observed volume for each ATC anatomical main group and therapeutic subgroup. Results From mid-February to mid-March 2020, there were increases in the weekly volumes of dispensed medication, peaking in the second week of March with a 46% increase in the observed versus predicted number of DDDs dispensed (16,440 vs 11,260 DDDs per 1000 inhabitants). A similar pattern was found in all age groups, in both sexes, and across metropolitan and non-metropolitan regions. In the same week in March, there was a 96% increase in the volume of OTC sold (2,504 vs 1,277 DDDs per 1000 inhabitants), specifically in ATC therapeutic subgroups including vitamins, antipyretics, painkillers, and nasal, throat, cough and cold preparations. Conclusion Beginning in mid-February 2020, there were significant changes in the volume of prescription medication dispensed and OTC drugs sold. The weekly volume of DDDs quickly decreased following recommendations from public authorities. Overall, our findings suggest stockpiling behavior over a surge in new users of medication.

scholarly journals Over-The-Counter Availability of Levonorgestrel Emergency Contraception in Pharmacies on Oahu

Pharmacy ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 20 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer Chin ◽  
Jennifer Salcedo ◽  
Shandhini Raidoo
Keyword(s):  
Emergency Contraception ◽  
The United States ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Pharmacy Education ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Over The Counter ◽  
Blister Pack ◽  
Counter Medication ◽  
United States Food ◽  
The Cost

Since the United States Food and Drug Administration’s approval of over-the-counter levonorgestrel emergency contraception, access to this time-sensitive medication has improved. However, multiple barriers, including the cost of the medication and pharmacy availability, still exist. The objective of this study was to determine the over-the-counter availability of levonorgestrel emergency contraception in pharmacies on Oahu, Hawaii. We conducted a cross-sectional population-based study using in-person simulated patient encounters at all pharmacies on Oahu. Out of 109 chain pharmacies and 13 independent pharmacies, 102 (84%) pharmacies had levonorgestrel emergency contraception available over the counter. Of pharmacies in which it was available, 12.7% required an employee to unlock the medication, 37.3% required the medication to be unlocked at the register, 29.4% were packaged in a large plastic box, and 3.9% were packaged in a blister pack. Levonorgestrel emergency contraception is widely available as an over-the-counter medication in pharmacies on Oahu, yet there are packaging and display practices that make it less accessible. Many of these practices could be improved with pharmacy education or changes in store policies. Systems-based interventions are needed to improve the access to levonorgestrel emergency contraception as an over-the-counter medication.

Private Medical Care and the British Conservative Government: What Price Independence?

1986 ◽  
Vol 15 (3) ◽  
pp. 337-360 ◽  
Author(s):  
John Mohan
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Private Sector ◽  
Medical Care ◽  
Government Policy ◽  
Health Care Industry ◽  
Private Health Care ◽  
Care Industry ◽  
Conservative Government ◽  
The Government ◽  
The Cost

ABSTRACTThis paper discusses issues raised by the uneven expansion of private health care in Britain in recent years. The problems being experienced by the industry have exposed divisions in the private health care industry and have provoked criticisms of the Government and requests for a greater degree of state support for, and regulation of, the industry. The paper therefore examines the scope for changes of government policy to facilitate further expansion. It argues that few of the alternatives are either technically adequate, in terms of solving the private sector's problems, or politically feasible, in the sense of being electorally justifiable. It concludes that policies to further private sector expansion could be implemented only at the cost of the private sector's independence, or at the expense of the Government's commitment to the NHS.

HIV: Cost of Medication Therapy in Ambulatory HIV-Infected Patients

1997 ◽  
Vol 31 (3) ◽  
pp. 303-307 ◽  
Author(s):  
Diane Nykamp ◽  
Candace W Barnett ◽  
Maria Lago ◽  
Deborah L Parham ◽  
Enrique S Fernandez
Keyword(s):  
Prescription Drugs ◽  
Alternative Therapies ◽  
Prescription Medications ◽  
Survival Times ◽  
Over The Counter ◽  
Medication Therapy ◽  
Asymptomatic Patients ◽  
The Cost ◽  
Study Participants ◽  
Anti Hiv Agents

Objective To examine the use and cost associated with prescribed medications as well as the use of over-the-counter medications and nontraditional therapies among ambulatory HIV-infected patients at Ryan White Title IIIb grantee centers. Methods Study participants (n = 223) were enrolled from eight centers across the US and Puerto Rico. Data were collected by a nurse, pharmacist, or physician through review of medical records and medication profdes. Information on the use of over-the-counter drugs and alternative therapies was obtained from the patients. Results Two hundred eleven (94.6%) patients received a mean ± SD of 5.3 ± 3.8 prescription medications during a consecutive 90-day period. The cost of medication was $1237.62 ± $1751.49 per patient. Patients with a diagnosis of AIDS received a greater number of prescription drugs: an average of 6.6 compared with 3.4 among HIV-positive patients and 3.5 among asymptomatic patients. Anti-retroviral agents were used by 143 (68.7%) patients. Zidovudine and stavudine had the highest cost ($611.81 ± $254.10 and $596.96 ± $352.80, respectively). Eighty-one (40.9%) patients reported the use of at least one over-the-counter product (range 0–11) and 11.8% reported use of alternative therapies. Conclusions This study shows the cost of drug treatment for HIV-infected patients has remained stable since the early 1990s. However, it is anticipated this will change due to the introduction of new anti-HIV agents, greater use of combination therapies, greater use of prophylactic therapies, and increased survival times.

Older people with substance problems

2017 ◽  
pp. 1065-1070
Author(s):  
Ilana Crome ◽  
Rahul (Tony) Rao
Keyword(s):  
Older People ◽  
Prescription Drugs ◽  
Illicit Drugs ◽  
Management Plan ◽  
Over The Counter ◽  
Treatment Prevalence ◽  
Counter Medication ◽  
Clinical Conditions ◽  
Specific Symptoms ◽  
Routine Assessment

Not only is the number of older people in our society is increasing, but their use of substances is rising. All substances should be considered (i.e. alcohol, tobacco, polypharmacy, illicit drugs, over-the-counter medication, substances obtained over the internet, and misuse of prescription drugs). Associated mental health and physical health difficulties need to be viewed in light of the combination of substances and interactions with clinical conditions. The service delivery system is unprepared partly due to an invisible epidemic fuelled by numerous factors including ageism, denial, stereotypes, and non-specific symptoms. A thorough ongoing routine assessment of substance use is the keystone of a treatment management plan. Older people willing to be engaged in a multidisciplinary team treatment do have capacity to change, and outcomes are at least was positive as their young adult counterpart. There are gaps about treatment prevalence, the facilitators and barriers to treatment, including comorbid conditions.

scholarly journals Unexpected but Not Uncommon - a Case of Adrenal Insufficiency

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. A617-A618
Author(s):  
Chanika Ariyawansa ◽  
Rui Zhang ◽  
Ee Mun Lim ◽  
Jonathan Beilin
Keyword(s):  
Adverse Effects ◽  
Adrenal Insufficiency ◽  
Symptomatic Relief ◽  
Serum Cortisol ◽  
Herbal Remedies ◽  
Inadequate Response ◽  
Over The Counter ◽  
Normal Thyroid Function ◽  
Endogenous Production ◽  
Counter Medication

Abstract Background: Herbal remedies are widely available and whilst portrayed as generally harmless, they may contain a variety of potent medications that can cause unintended and potentially serious consequences. This danger is further amplified as their use is typically inadvertently not divulged to clinicians, such as in this case. Clinical Case: A 65-year-old gentleman was referred to Endocrinology for assessment of adrenal insufficiency (AI) as a cause of his lethargy. He was found to have serum cortisol levels of 38 nmol/L and 68 nmol/L (150 – 700 nmol/L) on two separate mornings. No identified recent use of inhaled, topical, intra-articular or oral exogenous steroid therapy was noted. He had an inadequate response to Synacthen stimulation with peak serum cortisol of 150 pmol/L at 60-minutes (Adequate response – Post-Synacthen cortisol >430 pmol/L). Baseline plasma ACTH was low - 1.1 pmol/L(2.0 – 10 pmol/L) and secondary (pituitary) AI was suspected. He had normal thyroid function and prolactin. The patient subsequently admitted to taking an herbal medication, “Montalin” for a few months. It was obtained over-the-counter in Indonesia for symptomatic relief of “muscle pains”. The tablet underwent analysis to investigate for presence of corticosteroid components. An intact Montalin capsule was partly dissolved and the soluble content was diluted and analysed via LCMS/MS. Presence of dexamethasone/betamethasone was confirmed at an approximate concentration of 69.8 nmol/L constituting 0.548mg and 0.81% of the tablet. At the time, betamethasone and dexamethasone could not be distinguished due to stereoisomerism, but since has been confirmed to be dexamethasone. The patient likely had suppression of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis from unintended exogenous corticosteroid use, causing a picture of secondary AI. He requires ongoing corticosteroid replacement pending recovery of endogenous production. Although Montalin is marketed as an herbal over-the-counter medication it was confirmed to be adulterated with a potent corticosteroid. An alert issued by the Singaporean government details two further cases of adverse effects from Montalin and warns against its use. Conclusion: Herbal remedies with undisclosed potent ingredients may unknowingly cause serious adverse effects. With advances in LCMS/MS technology, laboratory analysis of either the tablets or the patient’s serum could be utilised to identify potential exogenous corticosteroid exposure.

How Can the U.S. Government Control Physicians' Fees under National Health Insurance? A Lesson from the French System

1974 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 49-57 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laurence C. Thorsen
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Health Insurance ◽  
National Health Insurance ◽  
National Health ◽  
Prescription Drugs ◽  
The United States ◽  
Care Hospital ◽  
Government Control ◽  
The Government ◽  
The Cost

The French national health insurance program covers most of the cost of medical and dental care, hospital care, and prescription drugs. The portion of health care costs borne by the patient varied widely prior to 1960 because of the failure of the government to control physicians' and dentists' fees adequately. In 1960, using expanded regulatory powers, the French government under DeGaulle applied controls on fees by imposing penalties on physicians and dentists who refused to be bound by annual contracts between their local associations and the social security system. The result is uniform fees and less rapid increases in the cost of health care. Control of costs is achieved at the expense of traditional professional independence, but it has made the system workable and is thus instructive for the United States as we consider moving toward national health insurance.

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