From Psychologies · Laurena Valette · · 1m 10s
Over-the-counter drugs that aren't worth buying
A consumer watchdog tested 100+ over-the-counter medicines and found most are either ineffective or risky.
In brief
A consumer watchdog tested 100+ over-the-counter medicines and found most are either ineffective or risky. Free access to a pharmacy shelf doesn't mean a drug is safe or effective. Ask your pharmacist and read the fine print. Originally reported by Psychologies.
Most over-the-counter drugs fail the test
A French consumer magazine tested over 100 over-the-counter medicines and supplements. Only 15 percent got approval. The rest had insufficient effectiveness or safety concerns.
Nearly half don't actually work
44 percent of products analyzed are judged ineffective, even if they're not dangerous. Examples include Cocculine for motion sickness and Abuféne for hot flashes.
Some carry real health risks
35 products are flagged as problematic. Sinufix for colds can cause allergic reactions and digestive problems. Throat lozenges with anesthetic risk swallowing troubles and rare convulsions.
Warning labels hide important details
Some instructions are incomplete or buried. Noctuline Sleep suggests taking another dose at night, which could worsen sleep. Taïdo MénoActiv has excessive vitamin B6 dosing.
Self-medication needs the same care
Just because you don't need a prescription doesn't mean a drug is safe. Ask your pharmacist, read the label carefully, and question whether you really need it.
“the least harm is ineffectiveness”
The headline
Free access to a pharmacy shelf doesn't mean a drug is safe or effective. Ask your pharmacist and read the fine print.
