antiquity
01-31-2003, 10:17 AM
Â*Reuters All Reuters News
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Poll: Many in US Take Too-High Pain Reliever Dose
January 31, 2003 07:30:14 AM PST, Reuters
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Many Americans are exceeding recommended doses of over-the-counter pain relievers and ignoring critical label information, according to a new national poll.
Of the more than 175 million Americans who pop pain relievers like ibuprofen and naproxen, 44% admit to exceeding the recommended dose, the survey found.
Most Americans (80%) do not talk to a doctor or pharmacist about the risks of misusing products for relieving arthritis, headache and other aches and pains, it showed.
Consumers are exposing themselves to potentially serious side effects, including an increased risk of stomach bleeding, because they do not understand the potential risks involved in misusing these products, according to the National Consumers League, which released the poll results on Thursday.
The Harris Interactive survey of 4,263 adults is one of the largest-ever public opinion polls on over-the-counter pain medications, the consumer advocacy group said.
Many over-the-counter products for treating arthritis, headache and other aches and pains belong to a class of drugs known as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs. One of the well-known side effects of these medications is an increased risk of stomach irritation.
Many adults also are not aware of the potential dangers of mixing pain relief pills with other medicines. Forty-five percent of people taking over-the-counter pain relievers falsely assume it is safe to take those pills while they are on other cold or flu medication, the poll found. A third of those polled were not aware of the risk of taking common pain medications while taking a prescription medication.
National Consumers League President Linda Golodner said the survey results highlight the need for consumer education. The group is distributing a free brochure titled "OTC Pain Meds: What Helps, What Hurts."
"While these medications are largely safe when taken according to label directions, there are risks when taking any drug," the brochure warns. "Just because a medication is available on the shelf of your local grocery or discount store does not make it any safer than a drug that has been prescribed by your doctor."
Copies are available at www.nclnet.org (http://www.nclnet.org) or though a toll-free hotline: 866-216-2316.
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Poll: Many in US Take Too-High Pain Reliever Dose
January 31, 2003 07:30:14 AM PST, Reuters
Â*
Many Americans are exceeding recommended doses of over-the-counter pain relievers and ignoring critical label information, according to a new national poll.
Of the more than 175 million Americans who pop pain relievers like ibuprofen and naproxen, 44% admit to exceeding the recommended dose, the survey found.
Most Americans (80%) do not talk to a doctor or pharmacist about the risks of misusing products for relieving arthritis, headache and other aches and pains, it showed.
Consumers are exposing themselves to potentially serious side effects, including an increased risk of stomach bleeding, because they do not understand the potential risks involved in misusing these products, according to the National Consumers League, which released the poll results on Thursday.
The Harris Interactive survey of 4,263 adults is one of the largest-ever public opinion polls on over-the-counter pain medications, the consumer advocacy group said.
Many over-the-counter products for treating arthritis, headache and other aches and pains belong to a class of drugs known as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs. One of the well-known side effects of these medications is an increased risk of stomach irritation.
Many adults also are not aware of the potential dangers of mixing pain relief pills with other medicines. Forty-five percent of people taking over-the-counter pain relievers falsely assume it is safe to take those pills while they are on other cold or flu medication, the poll found. A third of those polled were not aware of the risk of taking common pain medications while taking a prescription medication.
National Consumers League President Linda Golodner said the survey results highlight the need for consumer education. The group is distributing a free brochure titled "OTC Pain Meds: What Helps, What Hurts."
"While these medications are largely safe when taken according to label directions, there are risks when taking any drug," the brochure warns. "Just because a medication is available on the shelf of your local grocery or discount store does not make it any safer than a drug that has been prescribed by your doctor."
Copies are available at www.nclnet.org (http://www.nclnet.org) or though a toll-free hotline: 866-216-2316.