More OTCs with brand-name extensions are popping up...Flonase Headache & Allergy Relief, Motrin Arthritis Pain gel, etc.
Manufacturers often use well-known brand names to market new products...often with different ingredients or indications.
But this can lead to confusion and mix-ups.
For example, people may think Flonase Headache & Allergy Relief contains fluticasone, like Flonase nasal spray. But it’s an oral med with acetaminophen, chlorpheniramine, and phenylephrine.
And some may assume Motrin Arthritis Pain gel is ibuprofen...but it’s diclofenac.
Take steps to ensure patients get the intended OTC.
Walk patients to the OTC they’re looking for, if possible...and point out active ingredients on package labeling.
For instance, Pepto-Bismol contains bismuth subsalicylate...which can be harmful for kids under 12. But Pepto Kids has calcium carbonate...which is considered safe for children.
Stay alert for ingredient duplications. A patient taking Tylenol PM may not realize that Mucinex Sinus-Max also contains acetaminophen...and wind up exceeding the max dose.
Keep in mind, some brand-name extensions may be a clue to the product’s ingredients or use. But this isn’t foolproof.
For example, the “360” in Zantac 360° (famotidine) doesn’t specifically refer to the med, strength, or dosing.
Use generic names in written or verbal communication.
For instance, just saying “Dulcolax” could lead to confusion. Dulcolax tabs contain bisacodyl...but Dulcolax Stool Softener liquid gels contain docusate and Dulcolax Soft Chews contain magnesium hydroxide.
Share our resource, Safety Considerations With OTC Drugs, with your techs...for more surprising examples of brand-name extensions.
- https://www.acrwebsite.org/volumes/11490/volumes/e01/E-01# (3-23-23)
- Technician Tutorial: Safety Considerations With OTC Drugs
Matthew O'Connor June 8, 2023
FDA is negligent in allowing these deceptive marketing ploys. good for you to highlight them but quite sad that we as a population and specifically as health care professionals have allowed this. Shame!
If you find this content inappropriate and think it should be removed from this Letter site, let us know by clicking the Report button below. This information will be sent to TRC and we will take appropriate action.