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"This may be the most important
prescription I've ever written."
- Richard
Carmona, M.D., M.P.H.
Surgeon General of the United States
This
resource is also available as a public service announcement in
PDF format
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.
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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?
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How much of this OTC medicine should I take
at a time?
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How often should I take this OTC medicine?
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Howe many days in a row should I use this
medicine to treat my symptoms?
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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
http://www.bemedwise.org
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Food
and Drug Administration
http://www.fda.gov
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Date created: April 6, 2004 |
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