Quick Links: Skip to main page content Skip to Search Skip to Topics Menu Skip to Section Content Menu Skip to Common Links
  • Decrease font size
  • Return font size to normal
  • Increase font size
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Drugs

  • Print
  • Share
  • E-mail
-

This may be the most important prescription I've ever written.

(print public service announcement)

PDF version (1MB)


 - Richard Carmona, M.D., M.P.H.
Surgeon General of the United States

If you take over-the-counter drugs, remember that these are strong medicines. Follow Dr. Carmona’s prescription: Before you use an over-the-counter medicine, read the directions on the label carefully. Then follow those directions exactly. If you have any questions, ask your pharmacist or other health care professional.

Remember, always Be MedWise.
 

The Be MedWise Prescription for Taking Over-the-Counter
Medicines with Care

Richard H. Carmona, M.D., M.P.H.,
Surgeon General of the United States


When selecting on over-the-counter (nonprescription) medicine, always read the instructions and warnings on the product label. If you want more information, talk to your pharmacist or doctor.

Some questions to ask:

  • What over-the-counter (OTC) medicines are available for the symptoms I want to treat?
  • How much of this OTC medicine should I take at a time?
  • How often should I take this OTC medicine?
  • How many days in a row should I use this medicine to treat my symptoms?
  • What other medicines (OTC and prescription), herbal products or dietary supplements should I avoid while taking this OTC medicine?

Remember, OTC drugs are serious medicines that should be taken with care. That is why it is so important to Be MedWise when buying and taking OTC medicines
 

Sponsored by

 

-
-
-
-