CHPA Campaign Asks Consumers To “CHEC” Their OTC Know-How
This article was originally published in The Tan Sheet
Executive Summary
Results of a survey of OTC consumers revealing that one in six adults takes three or more pills at a single time were a driving factor behind CHPA's establishment of the Consumer Healthcare Education Center
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Results of a survey of OTC consumers revealing that one in six adults takes three or more pills at a single time were a driving factor behind CHPA's establishment of the Consumer Healthcare Education Center. CHEC, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, was launched Oct. 19 by the Consumer Healthcare Products Association to educate consumers about safe use of over-the-counter drugs and consultation with healthcare professionals about OTC use. The survey was conducted by CHPA in 1,000 people age 17 and older who had used an OTC drug within the last six months and revealed that the majority (61%) of survey participants were "not concerned that inappropriate use of OTC medicines could result in unintended consequences." The survey also found that "many consumers say they refer to the OTC Drug Facts label for information about symptoms and dosages, but have less understanding of other important label content such as possible side effects, active ingredients, drug interactions and other warnings." As a result, CHEC's "better health through better understanding" motto underscores the group's efforts to provide educational materials to OTC consumers. A 1 website providing information on OTC usage is the main vehicle of the campaign. CHEC is launching its first program, which acknowledges women as the "Doctor in the House," to accompany the organization's debut. The initiative is based on the fact that 73% of OTC purchases are made by women and 71% of women "are the primary healthcare decision-makers in the house," according to CHEC. The program invites consumers to take a quiz on OTC use via the CHEC website. The quiz asks questions such as "What is the Drug Facts label?" and "If giving a child more than one medicine, what section of the Drug Facts label should you pay particular attention to?" along with questions about how dosage directions on the label should be used and precautions that pregnant women should take when considering OTC use. Upon completion of the quiz, participants receive a complimentary handbag that is designed to be a modern, fashionable interpretation of the traditional doctor's bag. Inside the bag, a pamphlet on OTC use provides safety tips and advice. The booklet notes that OTCs "are powerful drugs, with real benefits when used responsibly and real risks when misused" and provides information on how to read the Drug Facts label. The booklet also uses the acronym as a mnemonic device to offer a four-step "CHEC list" for safety. Consumers are advised to "Choose a product that treats only the symptoms you have"; "Heed the label instructions"; "Examine the 'active ingredient' and 'warnings' sections of the label, especially if you are taking more than one medicine"; and "Consult a doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional if you have questions." The pamphlet provides a table that lists common symptoms such as allergies, cough, headache and heartburn, and names the OTC active ingredients that are typically used to treat them. The table provides tips for each active ingredient, such as "some antihistamines can cause drowsiness" and "people with heart disease or high blood pressure need to read labels carefully and talk to their doctor or pharmacist before taking decongestants." "Be sure to check antacid labels for sodium content if you are on a low-salt diet" and "drink plenty of fluids - unless a doctor tells you not to - when taking guaifenesin products" are among the other tips. CHEC provides a number of websites to be used as other resources about OTC use in the booklet. The group has worked with professional societies, consumer health groups, government agencies, and industry associations in developing its education materials. Other initiatives under the CHEC umbrella are forthcoming. For example, the group says that "other programs will help older adults manage their medications and provide important information on how to avoid possible drug interactions." CHPA officers are taking on the leadership roles within the new organization, with CHPA President Linda Suydam serving as CHEC president and CHPA VP- Communications Virginia Cox as CHEC vice president. - Bridget Behling |