When it comes to our health, many of us are very receptive to product suggestions, especially if they’re offered as an alternative to traditional pills or lotions. As a result, more and more people are turning to non-prescription drugs and nutritional supplements to help them enhance their health and well-being.
In the last few years, the non-prescription drug market has grown in size and in popularity, with items like Viagra, Levitra, and Cialis enjoying huge success. While these items can undoubtedly be beneficial to some, they can also cause some side effects that might not be acceptable for all users.
As a result, it’s extremely important to be aware of the facts and the myths surrounding non-prescription drugs and, for that matter, all medical drugs and supplements. Here’s a brief synopsis of non-prescription drugs and the facts about them:
The Facts
Non-prescription drugs are medicines that can be purchased over-the-counter without a doctor’s prescription. They are typically safe and effective when used as directed, but just because something is technically a non-prescription drug doesn’t mean that it’s necessarily safe or effective for everybody.
The FDA regulates non-prescription drugs, requiring that manufacturers provide accurate information on product labels about the drugs’ safety and effectiveness. Further, the FDA requires manufacturers to undergo regular evaluations to ensure that their products are still safe and effective.
Myths
Many people believe that non-prescription drugs are completely safe and effective for everybody, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. While the majority of non-prescription drugs are safe and effective for use by most people, there are a few exceptions to the rule.
One of the most common misconceptions about non-prescription drugs is that they are safe and effective for treating erectile dysfunction. While there is some truth to this rumor, it’s important to remember that treating erectile dysfunction with non-prescription drugs is only effective for a very small percentage of the population. In fact, the most effective treatments for erectile dysfunction are still considered to be medicines that were originally developed and approved for use by physicians.
Real-World Consequences
The fact is, some people do get very bad real-world effects from using non-prescription drugs. Since these are medicines, there is the possibility that somebody could have a negative reaction to them and experience a severe interaction or adverse effect from using them. In fact, older adults are a particularly vulnerable group when it comes to interacting with medicines, due to their bodies’ being less able to process drugs as easily as younger people’s bodies do.
Unfortunately, some people who use non-prescription drugs don’t report the rare but possible negative effects to their doctors. As a result, the doctors may be unable to diagnose the source of the patients’ symptoms and, in some cases, the effects of the drugs could even be compounded. This is why it’s so important to be aware of the facts and the myths surrounding non-prescription drugs and the possible effects that they could have on your body.
Recommendations
Even if you decide that you want to try a non-prescription drug to boost your health, it’s still important to follow the instructions on the packaging. This will ensure that you get the best possible results from your drug of choice and also minimize the risk of any negative effects. Many non-prescription drugs are designed to be taken at specific doses and intervals, so ensure that you’re taking the medication as recommended by the manufacturer.
In some cases, patients will need to see a physician for a follow-up visit after using a non-prescription drug to ensure that their bodies have reacted well to the medication and that there are no negative interactions or adverse effects. In other words, just because a product is listed as a non-prescription drug doesn’t mean that it’s always safe or effective for everybody. Be sure to consult with a physician if you have any questions about what medication is right for you.