Consumer Reports Survey: 44% of Americans Are 'Problem Sleepers;' National Survey Shows Too Many People Rely on Pills, Are Too Quick To Take Them, and Stay on Them Too Long Aug 5, 2008
The key findings: -- Many people turn to drugs to solve sleep problems; almost 1 in 5 Americans took prescription or over-the-counter medicines at least once a week to help them sleep. Although sleep medications are usually recommended for no more than two weeks, 14 percent of those surveyed took some type of pill on at least eight of the past 30 nights; 5 percent turn to pills every night of the month. (PR Newswire)
Pharmaceuticals: New boss recruits dragons to light a fire under Glaxo Jul 24, 2008
Additional investment will be directed toward the higher growth areas such as vaccines and consumer healthcare and over-the-counter medicines. He said potential customers, such as the NHS, would be brought in earlier in the development process to ensure that GSK's money was being invested in the right place. (guardian.co.uk)
GlaxoSmithKline announces strategy overhaul after weak profits Jul 23, 2008
GSK said it wanted to place more emphasis on vaccines, over-the-counter medicines, consumer healthcare and expansion in emerging markets, marking a shift away from its reliance on prescription drugs. GSK's stock price tumbled by 3. (Yahoo News -- Pharmaceutical Industry News)
How to treat the 5 most common headaches Jul 21, 2008
What to do: Mild migraines may respond to over the counter medicines like ibuprofen or naproxen, or acetaminophen. For more severe migraines a prescription medicine may be required. (MSNBC -- Health)
Vets offer tips for ridding your pet of summer pests Jul 17, 2008
The efficacy of over-the-counter medicines are significantly less and require more applications, which increases the risk of chemical poisoning in the animal, Dyer said. Some chemicals in over-the-counter products, particularly permethrin, can cause hair loss, dry skin, muscle tremors, tearing, comas and even death in dogs and cats. (Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier)
Johnson & Johnson posts 8 pct profit jump in Q2 Jul 16, 2008
04 billion, fueled by jumps in baby- and dental-care items and over-the-counter medicines, including Zyrtec, which became available without a prescription in January in this country. Heavily advertised, it already has garnered 27 percent of the nonprescription allergy market. (The Trentonian, NJ)
Water shows traces of prescription medicines Jul 14, 2008
The Associated Press reported on the rising use of prescription drugs and over-the-counter medicines such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen and their detection in the drinking water of more than a dozen major metropolitan areas. The AP report noted the amounts are tiny - measured in parts per billion or trillion - far below the levels of a medical dose. (AL.com)
Did Heparin Overdose Kill Texas Newborn? Jul 13, 2008
During the past 18 months, there have been roughly 250 medical errors nationwide involving heparin and children a year or younger, according to U.S. Pharmacopeia, the public standards-setting authority for all prescription and over-the-counter medicines, dietary supplements and other health-care products manufactured and sold in the United States. Share. (Fox News)
This Allergy Season, Stay Alert to Drowsy Driving Dangers Jul 13, 2008
"As an allergy sufferer, I was surprised to learn that some over-the-counter medicines may cause drowsiness. In fact, the allergy medicine I used to take made me drowsy. I thought there was something wrong with me because I was so sleepy - which was pretty dangerous considering all the driving I do with my kids, said Lori. "Then I discovered Claritin, which relieves my worst allergy symptoms for 24 hours without making me drowsy. When you spend as much time driving as I do, you need to be... (Canton Daily Ledger, IL)
Protect yourself from prescription errors Jun 23, 2008
This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, and dietary supplements such as vitamins and herbs. At least once a year, bring all of your medicines and supplements with you to your doctor. (MSNBC -- Health)
A fear factor accompanies generic drugs made in China Jun 22, 2008
"We should be concerned, because the U.S. safety nets are frayed, and China has become a poster child for problems," said Roger Williams, chief executive of U.S. Pharmacopeia, the official standards-setting authority for all prescription and over-the-counter medicines. Williams said the Chinese are capable of meeting good manufacturing standards, and the government there is in the process of instituting better controls. (NJ.com -- Times)
NY to sue CVS, Rite Aid over expired product sales Jun 13, 2008
NEW YORK New York Attorney General Andrew Cuomo said Thursday that he was taking legal action against the CVS and Rite Aid drug store chains for selling expired over-the-counter medicines and food products. The expired products included milk, eggs, baby formula and a wide range of cold medicines and decongestants for adults and children, allergy treatments and other over-the-counter medicines ... Consumer advocates taking part in the news conference urged other U.S. states to follow Cuomo's lead... (San Diego Union-Tribune -- Business)
Allergies gotcha? Here's help May 28, 2008
Montanaro advises people to "first try over-the-counter medicines, and if they're not responding to those then going to their primary care doctor." Tough cases call for allergists who can diagnose the source of the problem and offer help including shots. And soon, Montanaro hopes, under-the-tongue drops that work like shots and are now used in Europe will be available. (OregonLive, OR -- News)
Vasella Wins Novartis Investors' Support by Mimicking J&J as Drugs Falter May 23, 2008
Faced with an aging population, governments will push more of the financial burden of illness to the consumer, Vasella said, increasing demand for over-the-counter medicines. A strengthened consumer- business can sell non-prescription versions of brand-name medicines when patents expire, Vasella said. (Bloomberg)
Drug Brings Relief For Many IBS Patients Who Experience Constipation May 21, 2008
And, he says, most over-the-counter medicines commonly used to treat symptoms -- fiber, laxatives and stool stimulants -- don't address the bloating and pain associated with IBS.. Most patients with IBS tend to fall into two categories: IBS-C or IBS with diarrhea. (Science Daily)
Hundreds Line Up For Food, Toiletries May 21, 2008
Elvesa Anderson was one of over 300 people lined up outside the Salvation Army North Corps location waiting for shampoo, over-the-counter medicines and snack items. An official said many of the people lined up mid-month are trying to make ends meet between biweekly paychecks. (7 KETV Omaha)
Parents Use Cough Medicines On Toddlers Under Two Despite The Warnings May 20, 2008
Ms Trajanovska said the survey results reinforced the need for continued education of parents about the safe use of over-the-counter medicines. "Despite the widespread use of over-the-counter medicines for young children, they are not without risks such as side effects or poisoning," she said. (Science Daily)
Drug Brings Relief for IBS Patients May 20, 2008
On a Handheld Device. SIGN UP FOR FREE NEWS ALERTS. (Newsmax)
Procedure gets rid of headaches forever May 14, 2008
Knight-Muck said over-the-counter medicines hardly put a dent in her suffering. It wasn t a migraine, but it felt that way, said Knight-Muck. (KHOU.com, TX)
Few drugs tested for children May 13, 2008
They need to let the physician know if their children are given over-the-counter medicines, vitamins and other supplements. Also, speak up: If you don t want to use a drug, let the doctor know so other options can be explored. (Montana Standard, MT)
Hard-hit consumers turn to Amish-run stores, expired goods May 11, 2008
There's low-price facial moisturizer, tubes of old toothpaste, discounted rolls of toilet paper even expired over-the-counter medicines. At Triple M Salvage in Middlefield, adventurous customers can buy Hair Regrowth Treatment from Rite Aid that expired more than three years ago. (San Diego Union-Tribune -- Business)
New Tests Make Antibiotic Monitoring Easier May 7, 2008
2, 2004) A program in health clinics where physicians offer patients a cough and cold care kit containing over the counter medicines appears to significantly reduce unnecessary antibiotic. (Jul. (Science Daily)
Wal-Mart drops drug prices May 6, 2008
The over-the-counter medication price rollbacks represent about one-third of the retailer's over-the-counter medicines. Since 2006, Wal-Mart's $4 generic drug program has expanded to every state, except North Dakota, where Wal-Mart has no in-store pharmacies. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
Action to prevent deaths by medicines Apr 13, 2008
There are at least 140,000 patients admitted to hospital each year after suffering side effects or serious allergic reactions to prescription drugs, herbs and over-the-counter medicines. An estimated 2million Australians annually experience an adverse reaction to drugs. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
Nycomed Chooses BT HP Alliance for Outsourcing Contract Apr 10, 2008
Nycomed is a privately owned pharmaceutical company that provides medicines for hospitals, specialists and general practitioners, as well as over-the-counter medicines in selected markets. The company is active in a range of therapeutic areas. (BusinessWire)
Deadly recipe Apr 7, 2008
Ephedrine (or pseudo-ephedrine) is a common substance found in allergy relief and other over-the-counter medicines. Because these OTC drugs have been limited by government regulations, an illegal pipeline has been created to bring them from Mexico to the U.S. Here on the East Coast, most of the drugs that come from Mexico are routed through Atlanta. (Orangeburg Times and Democrat, SC)
Treating Your Horse for Thrush Apr 4, 2008
Once your horse develops thrush, you can easily treat it with home-made or over-the-counter medicines. Thrush Buster is one of the best products on the market, though like many fungicides, it is purple and will stain anything it comes in contact with. (Suite101.com)
Cold comfort Apr 1, 2008
This is alarming news to the many parents who view children's over-the-counter medicines as little more than strawberry-flavoured reassurance, assuming that it must be pretty foolproof. "Parents often don't understand that an over-the-counter medicine can be harmful in too high a dose," Professor Steve Field, chairman of the Royal College of General Practitioners. (Guardian Unlimited)
Drugs found in drinking water, affecting wildlife and humans Mar 23, 2008
But the presence of so many prescription drugs and over-the-counter medicines like acetaminophen and ibuprofen in so much of our drinking water is heightening worries among scientists of long-term consequences to human health. In the course of a five-month inquiry, the AP discovered drugs have been detected in the drinking water supplies of 24 major metropolitan areas across the country. (The Pantagraph newspaper)
Woman pleads guilty in drug conspiracy Mar 22, 2008
That was the case with the drug conspiracies, as the suspects were accused of traveling to several counties and sometimes out of state to get methamphetamine ingredients, namely over-the-counter medicines with pseudoephedrine. Curtner was said to have been the main organizer of one of the conspiracies. (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
Medicine dropoff site designated Mar 18, 2008
- Over-the-counter medicines. - Medicated ointments. (Kewanee Star Courier, IL)
AP probe finds drugs in drinking water Mar 15, 2008
But the presence of so many prescription drugs and over-the-counter medicines like acetaminophen and ibuprofen in so much of our drinking water is heightening worries among scientists of long-term consequences to human health. In the course of a five-month inquiry, the AP discovered that drugs have been detected in the drinking water supplies of 24 major metropolitan areas from Southern California to Northern New Jersey, from Detroit to Louisville, Ky. (Yahoo News -- Pharmaceutical Industry News)
Bars beat smoking ban in theatrical manner Mar 15, 2008
Gov't oppressed Mule wrote on Mar 10, 2008 11:00 AM:" Not sure if anybody else read this but "A vast array of pharmaceuticals including antibiotics, anti-convulsants, mood stabilizers and sex hormones - have been found in the drinking water supplies of at least 41 million Americans, an Associated Press investigation showsthe presence of so many prescription drugs - and over-the-counter medicines like acetaminophen and ibuprofen - in so much of our drinking water is heightening worries among... (The Pantagraph newspaper)
Sheriff Mills visits Lions Club Mar 6, 2008
He attributes this reduction to the limits put on the sale of over the counter medicines containing pseudo ephedrine. He acknowledges the fact that when the production of the substance is down in the country, this means more is being brought into the county that was made in other places. (Truman Democrat, AR)
Post offices to push envelope by selling drugs Mar 4, 2008
However, when contacted, a top executive in the Pharma sector said that current regulations must be changed to allow post offices and other retail outlets to sell over-the-counter medicines. Also Read. (India Times)
What Can You Give Your Children When They Are Sick? Feb 28, 2008
"We published a study that says honey is more effective than dextromethorphan (the cough suppressant found in over-the-counter medicines)," Paul said. "Just don t give honey to a child younger than the age of 1.". (Fox News)
State Police investigated nine fatal crashes during weekend Feb 26, 2008
Drivers should never get behind the wheel after consuming alcoholic beverages and/or certain prescribed or over-the-counter medicines which may cause drowsiness. A couple of the fatal crashes involved drivers who attempted to illegally pass other vehicles. (Leesville Daily Leader, LA)
Minor-Illness Patients Asked To Avoid the ER Feb 15, 2008
They said treatments to try first include plenty of rest, drinking lots of fluids and taking over-the-counter medicines to reduce fever. If symptoms persist or get worse, then seek medical help. (KERO 23, CA)
Health Snapshots Feb 12, 2008
Recognize signs of medicine tampering Most nonprescription, over-the-counter medicines available at retail stores are required by law to have sealed, tamper-evident packaging. This packaging however, does not guarantee tamper-proof protection. (Montana Standard, MT)
Airport arrestsTravellers warned of UAE's tough drug laws as dozens fall foul Feb 9, 2008
Fair Trials International said arrests were being made over tiny quantities of drugs and over-the-counter medicines. British tourist Keith Brown was sentenced to four years in prison after Dubai customs officers found a 0. (BBC News -- Africa)
Bruce Mandelblit: Drug Abuse In The Spotlight Feb 8, 2008
Learn about the drug's potential interactions with alcohol, other prescription medicines, and over-the-counter medicines. 7. (Newsmax)
Police may be given equipment to test drivers for drugs Feb 5, 2008
The Home Office said the new device was "expected to be able to detect all drugs, including illicit drugs, prescription and over-the-counter medicines". It is developing prototypes amid research showing that nearly one in 10 teenagers have driven while under the influence of illegal drugs. (Guardian Unlimited)
Late TV listings Feb 3, 2008
Topics: Fighting the common cold and sinus infections without over-the-counter medicines; statins and prolonged life; Red Sox manager Terry Francona's personal battle against a staph infection; the human side to blood donation; the age when people find happiness; another compelling reason to exercise. Guest: Ralph Metson, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary. (Boston Globe)
Pharmacy sets grand opening Jan 19, 2008
Sav-Mor will offer pharmacy services as well as the normal fare of over-the-counter medicines along with home health supplies. The home health section will feature walkers, recliners, beds, diabetes testing supplies and other items. (Clay County Daily Advocate Press, IL)
Hunter ed proves its worth Jan 19, 2008
Even some over-the-counter medicines can cause impairment. Note: David Rainer is a guest columnist for The Clanton Advertiser. (Clanton Advertiser, AL)
Ten hunting commandments keep hunters safe Jan 18, 2008
" Those 10 commandments are as follows:1. Treat every firearm as if it was loaded.2. Control the muzzle of your firearm - keep the barrel pointed in a safe direction; never point a firearm at anything that you do not wish to shoot; insist that your shooting and hunting companions do the same.3. Be sure of your target and beyond - positively identify your target before you fire and make sure there are no people, livestock, roads or buildings beyond the target.4. Never shoot at water or a hard,... (Alexander City Outlook, AL)
FDA: Babies, Toddlers Should Not Take Cold Medicine Jan 18, 2008
The Food and Drug Administration said that over-the-counter medicines are too risky for babies and children under the age of 2. Officials said the medications could cause serious side effects, some potentially deadly. (Click2Houston, TX)
ALVESCO(R) Gains FDA Approval for the U.S. Market Jan 16, 2008
About Nycomed Nycomed is a pharmaceutical company that provides medicines for hospitals, specialists and general practitioners, as well as over-the-counter medicines in selected markets. The company is active within a range of therapeutic areas, including cardiology, gastroenterology, osteoporosis, respiratory, pain and tissue management. (Canada Newswire)
Working With Your Doctor Jan 14, 2008
Photocopy of insurance cards, list of current medications that includes any vitamins, herbals or over the counter medicines, and any allergies you may have. Names, addresses and phone numbers of doctors and treatment facilities you are using now or have used in the recent past. (Suite101.com)
Flu Fills Houston Emergency Rooms Jan 10, 2008
But Shook doesn't believe the flu warrants a visit to the emergency room because it can be treated at home with over-the-counter medicines, rest and lots of fluids. But she said that non-emergency influenza can be miserable for many. (Click2Houston, TX)
VIDEO: Seniors should act now to compare Medicare plans Dec 28, 2007
One of those is generic medicines and over-the-counter medicines. There are some charitable organizations which can also help. (McKinney Courier-Gazette, TX)
Think before you dial 999 Dec 28, 2007
Step 2: Visit your local pharmacy for over the counter medicines and advice l Step 3: Call NHS Direct for advice on 0845 46 47 or log onto www. nhsdirect. (Worcester News)
3000 die over three years due to drug allergies Dec 27, 2007
The figures for Adverse Drug Reactions (ADRs) describe patients who have an adverse reaction to prescriptions, over-the-counter medicines and those on sale in shops across the entire UK.. The health minister, Dawn Primarolo, told the House of Commons earlier this month that it was "important" to note that the submission of a suspected ADR report did not necessarily mean that it was caused by the drug. (Guardian Unlimited)
Washing away sinus problems Dec 22, 2007
woman who had tried over-the-counter medicines and homeopathy. Vermeulen says she gets relief within 20 minutes of nasal washing and that her biggest concern is remembering to keep her mouth open so that the solution doesn't drain down her throat. (Herald Online, SC -- Health)
6 simple steps to dodge drug interactions Dec 19, 2007
Tell your doctor or pharmacist about every medication you're taking, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, supplements, and herbal remedies. 2. (MSNBC -- Health)
FDA experts say new versions of decongestants probably work, though more study is warranted Dec 15, 2007
Pfizer's Sudafed PE, Wyeth's Dimetapp and and Procter & Gamble's NyQuil are among the over-the-counter medicines that switched to the new ingredient from pseudophedrine, which was taken off pharmacy shelves as part of a 2006 law aimed at curbing the illegal processing of the stimulant methamphetamine. FDA's panel of outside experts voted 11 to 1 that there is sufficient evidence the decongestants with phenylephrine work, but most panelists said the existing studies are not definitive. (San Diego Union-Tribune -- Business)
Nothing to sneeze at Dec 5, 2007
Simple tactics in cold and flu season can replace over-the-counter medicines. By , Staff writer Click byline for more stories by writer. (Albany Times Union)
Honey 'is better for children's coughs' Dec 4, 2007
Honey is better at treating children's coughs than an ingredient used in many over-the-counter medicines, according to new research. A small dose of honey was found to be more effective in cutting both the severity and the frequency of night-time coughing than a widely-used cough suppressant. (Telegraph.co.uk)
J&J'S Zyrtec Allergy Drug Is Approved for Nonprescription Sale by U.S. FDA Nov 17, 2007
Nov. 16 (Bloomberg) -- Johnson & Johnson, the world's largest maker of over-the-counter medicines, won approval from U.S. regulators to sell its allergy treatment Zyrtec without a prescription. The action by the Food and Drug Administration came a week after the company approved more limited sale of the company's Zyrtec-D, a formulation that includes a decongestant, the company said today in a statement. (Bloomberg -- US)
Healthcare plans should focus on uninsured college students Nov 14, 2007
Can over-the-counter medicines treat this. This strategy applies to doctor and hospital visits. (Daily Collegian, PA)
Kids and colds Nov 13, 2007
Later, a Federal Drug Administration advisory panel, citing safety and other issues, recommended over-the-counter medicines for children ages 2-6 be removed from stores ... Medical experts always have advised using these methods to treat coughs, colds and pain, but they are being stressed more now that certain over-the-counter medicines have been pulled from store shelves ... Dr. Will Sorey, associate professor of pediatrics at UMC, said over-the-counter medicines for coughs and colds have never... (The Clarion-Ledger)
Meth detector may fall into a legal gray zone Nov 6, 2007
Philips said meth gives off a telltale sign that differs from other chemicals, including pseudoephedrine a key component of meth that is present in some over-the-counter medicines. "We tested pseudoephedrine, and it's going to give a different chemical signature than meth," Philips said. (USA Today)
Keeping tabs on kids' medicines Nov 6, 2007
When can children buy over the counter medicines ... When can children buy over the counter medicines. (Morpeth Herald)
CVS Caremark 3Q profit more than doubles in wake of CVS's March purchase of Caremark Nov 2, 2007
Much of the retail growth was focused in over-the-counter medicines, health and beauty products, and digital photo processing. Meredith Adler, an analyst for Lehman Brothers, called it a good quarter. (San Diego Union-Tribune -- Business)
CHPA Commends Senator Biden on Legislation Aimed at Curbing Medicine-Abuse Trend Nov 1, 2007
Following is a statement by Linda A. Suydam, D.P.A., president of the Consumer Healthcare Products Association (CHPA), on the bill's introduction: "CHPA commends Senator Biden and Senators Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), and Diane Feinstein (D-Calif.) for their recent congressional effort to address the problem of teens abusing medicines to get high. The trend of teens looking to the medicine cabinet to get high with prescription and over-the-counter medicines is very troubling.... (PR Newswire)
