OTC drugs

Acne Treatments Can Cause Dangerous Side Effects

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a warning that some products used to treat acne may cause potentially life-threatening side effects. According to an agency press release, over-the-counter acne products containing the active ingredients benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid can cause severe irritation or even fatal allergic reactions. [caption id="attachment_3266" align="alignright" width="300"]...

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How to Choose OTC Pain Relievers

Most of us don’t give it a second thought when we turn to over-the-counter (OTC) pain medicines for our minor aches and pains. But how much do you really know about the drugs you are taking? Even though they are available without a prescription, it is important to remember each OTC pain medication is...

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Decongestants May Cause Birth Defects

A new study reveals that using over-the-counter decongestants during pregnancy may increase the risk of a child being born with birth defects. Scientists at the Slone Epidemiology Center at Boston University interviewed nearly 20,000 mothers to find out what drugs they had taken while they were pregnant. What they found was a link between...

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