Read Over-the-Counter Drug Labels 

Over-the-counter (OTC) drugs are drugs you can buy without a prescription.

It is very important to read the label when using OTC drugs. It is the only way to know how to use the drug the right way.

The Federal Drug Administration (FDA) passed a law about labels on OTC drugs.

The law says that all OTC products must have a new label called “Drug Facts.” This label will show people the best, safest way to use OTC drugs.

How is the new label different?

The new label will use common words that are easy to understand.

The print will be bigger, making it easier to read.

The label will look the same, and be in the same place, on every product.

What will be on the label?

•           Active ingredients—what is in the product that makes it work

•           Purposes—what the drug is for

•           Uses —what problems it is used to treat

•           Warnings—who should not take the product and problems to watch out for

•           Directions—how much to take, when to take it

•           Inactive Ingredients—what else is in the product.  People can see if they are allergic to something in the product.

How will the new label help me?

The new label will do several things.

It will help you compare products and choose the best one for your illness.

The product will work its best because you can use it the right way.

You will have all the information you need to stay away from problems.

To learn more about over the counter drugs and labels contact the U.S. Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov/ cder/otc/ label/quesanswers.htm; or call 1-888-463-6332 (1-888-INFO-FDA)

Note to our readers:  Walgreen’s and other drug stores will write labels in other languages.  Ask your drug store if they have this service.

Source:  U.S. Food and Drug Administration