Canadians not using OTC medications properly

Survey finds consumers aren't reading drug labels

By Jenny Manzer

TORONTO – Canadians aren't taking enough care when using over-the-counter medications, a survey found.
   In general, the survey of 1,100 adults showed Canadians are self-medicating—but not self-educating.
    Among the findings: only 40% of Canadians read labels to identify active ingredients of OTC medications, just one-third read dosage levels and about one-quarter read the symptoms the product is intended to treat.
   The survey, by Decima Research Inc., also found only 23% of respondents read labels for potential side-effects and a scant 18% read directions for usage. Just 10% of consumers look at warnings about potential interactions with other OTC drugs.
   The findings were released at the Toronto launch of "Be MedWise," a national campaign to make Canadians aware that OTC products are safe and effective, but need to be used properly.
   The campaign is being led by the Drug Information and Resource Centre, run by the Ontario Pharmacists' Association.
   The campaign includes a new Web site: http://bemedwise.ca, which provides consumers with information such as how to read a drug label, and the active ingredients in common medications.
   Family physician Dr. Amy Wong helped promote the site, taking press on a tour of a simulated medicine cabinet in which many products contained overlapping ingredients.
   "One of the biggest hazards people face is that many over-the-counter products contain the same active ingredients," she said, urging patients to ask their doctor or pharmacist questions.