OTC medicines are drugs that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and similar regulatory bodies have deemed safe for use without a doctor's supervision, provided you follow the directions on the label.
: Pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen, cold and flu tablets, vitamins, iron supplements, and antihistamines.
: High doctor fees, lack of health insurance, or the time-consuming nature of medical appointments.
: This is your most important tool. It lists active ingredients, uses, warnings, and dosage instructions. Always read this to avoid "double-dosing" on the same active ingredient across different products. 2. The Risks of Unprescribed "Prescription" Drugs