As most of you probably read or heard about in the news, this past Wednesday the FDA warned consumers about a potential mix-up in buying Maalox products and treating different medical conditions. This may seem a little hard to believe, but it happens more and more leaving consumers compromised and subject to serious side effects by brands trying to capture more of the Over The Counter market.
As a pharmacist, I routinely see people who come in to the pharmacy asking for a particular brand name product like Excedrin, Alka-Seltzer, or Robitussin. When they get to the aisle to find these medications, more than 10 or 12 different products all using the same brand name may be waiting for them. At this point, they make one of two choices: to either come ask the pharmacist for more information, or self select and leave the store. Once companies establish their brand name, they try to capture as much of the market as they can. And although this may be good business practice in regards to making money, its not always so good for a persons health.
The key to making this selection is looking at the active ingredients, preferably with a pharmacists help if available. By examining the array of products all using the same brand name more closely, you’re more likely to treat the symptoms you actually have, and not put yourself at risk for an adverse reaction.
When in doubt, ask a pharmacist! We all took an oath to help people, and most of us really enjoy doing so!
