Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medicines

The New York State Department of Health, Pharmacists Society of the State of New York and New York State Council of Health-system Pharmacists have collaborated with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on a consumer and pharmacist health education campaign on the safe use of OTC pain relievers.

This statewide campaign will involve approximately 4,000 pharmacies. Consumers will be encouraged to become partners in their health care and to read labels and directions and ask their pharmacists or health care provider about their OTC pain relievers.

Additional collaborative partners include the American Diabetes Association, National Kidney Foundation, American Liver Association, New York State Nurses Association, New York State Poison Control Centers and various health care professionals.

Publications

• The best way to take your over-the-counter pain reliever? - Brochure (PDF 357MB, 2pg.)
  • ¿Cuál es la mejor manera de tomar su medicina comprada sin receta médica? - Brochure (PDF 3.7MB, 1pg.)
• Potentially Inappropriate Medications Used in Older Adults
  • Pocket Size (PDF, 510KB, 2pg.)
  • 8.5 x 11 Chart (PDF, 914KB, 2pg)
• The best way to take your over-the-counter pain reliever? - Poster (PDF 4.5MB, 1pg.)
• Stop Read Ask - Poster (PDF 215KB, 1pg.)

Related Information

• Use Caution With Pain Relievers - This FDA Consumer article, revised in November 2003, discusses the benefits and risks of using over-the-counter pain relievers and fever reducers. For reprints, e-mail dpapubs@fda.hhs.gov, or call 301-796-3703 or 1-888-INFO-FDA. (PDF 447KB, 1pg.)
• Over-the-Counter Medicines: What's Right for You? - U.S. Food and Drug Administration
• Choosing the right over-the-counter medicine (OTCs) - U.S. Food and Drug Administration
• The New Over-the-Counter Medicine Label: Take a Look. - U.S. Food and Drug Administration
• The Best Way to Take Your Over-The-Counter Pain Reliever? Seriously
  • ¿Cuál es la mejor manera de tomar su medicina comprada sin receta médica? Con seriedad.
• Safe Use of Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers and Fever Reducers
• Health Bulletin: Use Caution With Pain Relievers
• Health Hints: Use Caution with Pain Relievers
• Acetaminophen and Liver Injury: Q & A for Consumers
  • El acetaminofeno y las lesiones hepáticas: Preguntas y respuestas para los consumidores

Related Organizations

• Pharmacists Society of the State of New York
• New York State Council of Health-System Pharmacists
• American Diabetes Association
• American Liver Foundation
• National Kidney Foundation
• Upstate New York Poison Center
• New York State Nurses Association