Be Careful With Over The Counter Drugs

Every one who watches TV has heard ads for prescription medications. The ads touting the merits of the drug are always followed by a litany of possible side effects. Some of these are so severe that one wonders why anyone would consider taking the medication. believe me, the manufacturers would rather not list all of these potential side effects, but the FDA requires a balanced presentation listing the benefits as well as the risks.

This is not the case with over the counter meds because oversight is handled by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) not the FDA. The FTC does not require that information about potential side effects of a medication be routinely included in ads. As a result incorrect uses of OTC drugs sends thousands of people to the hospital every year.

Be careful and read the small print on all labels and package inserts. If you have ay doubt about possible side effects consult with your doctor or pharmacist.

Get more information in our book Live Longer Live Healthier

or visit our website at trienergetics.net

How Good Are Generic Drugs?

About 3/4 of prescriptions in the U.S. are now generic drugs. This has made insurance companies happy because they are putting out more money. Should this make you happy? The FDA and most medical groups state that generics are as effective and safe as the original products. Generics must be equivalent to the original in terms of strength, quality, purity and safety. Generics must deliver the same amount of active ingredients at about the same rate as their brand name counterpart.

The generic can differ in shape, color and inactive ingredients. These subtle differences may be important especially with time release drugs. Overall the absorption of generics differs from the brand names by only 3 to 4%. These small differences will not matter for most drugs, but in some instances it may reduce effectiveness and safety.

If you switch from a brand name to a generic be alert for any change in your condition or for side effects. This is especially true if you are switched to a generic of a drug that must keep your blood level in a tight range.

If you have problems or side effects with any drug talk to your health care provider.

Get more information in our book Live Longer Live Healthier

or visit our website at trienergetics.net