Factors Driving Self-Medication and Rx-to-OTC Switch

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What factors drive reliance on self-medication according to the text?

The decrease in size of the aging population.

Increased access to prescribers through health management organizations.

The decreasing cost of health care.

The high proportion of underinsured or uninsured population. (correct)

What is an Rx-to-OTC switch defined as?

A switch from pediatric to adult-use marketing of a drug.

A switch from over-the-counter to prescription marketing of a drug.

A switch from generic to brand-name marketing of a drug.

A switch from prescription to over-the-counter marketing of a drug. (correct)

What questions need to be answered affirmatively for a drug to qualify for an Rx-to-OTC switch?

Is the drug only available for pediatric use?

Is the drug highly addictive?

Can the patient afford the prescription drug?

Is the patient able to self-diagnose the clinical condition? (correct)

What criteria should the indication(s) for OTC use of a drug meet according to reclassification criteria?

Should permit easy diagnosis and monitoring by the patient. Signup and view all the answers

Why must a self-treatment product be safe and effective according to the text?

For consumer use under conditions of actual use. Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the selected agents switched from prescription to over-the-counter status according to the text?

Ibuprofen Signup and view all the answers

What is one potential risk associated with the incorrect self-diagnosis and use of over-the-counter (OTC) drugs?

Delaying the diagnosis and treatment of serious illnesses Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following substances found in OTC drugs has been reported as being abused by some individuals?

Codeine Signup and view all the answers

What is one factor that can increase the risk of drug interactions when taking OTC medications?

Consuming grapefruit juice Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following substances found in OTC cold drugs has been reported as being abused by some athletes?

Pseudoephedrine Signup and view all the answers

What is one way to help avoid potential drug interactions when taking OTC medications?

Consult a pharmacist before selecting OTC medications Signup and view all the answers

According to the FDA, what information is required to be listed on OTC drug labels to help identify potential allergic reactions?

Inactive ingredients Signup and view all the answers

What is FDA's recommendation for self-medication in children younger than 2 years?

FDA recommends against self-medication in this age group, especially for cough and cold products. Signup and view all the answers

Which reference source should pharmacists consult to check the safety of medication use during pregnancy?

Drugs in Pregnancy and Lactation by Briggs and others Signup and view all the answers

What system is used by pharmacists to assess the safety of nonprescription medications during pregnancy?

The A, B, C, D, X system Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about nursing mothers is true, according to the text?

Nursing mothers face difficult choices when selecting nonprescription medications. Signup and view all the answers

What should pharmacists consider when suggesting a medication to a woman of childbearing age?

The possibility of pregnancy, based on symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and frequent urination. Signup and view all the answers

When suggesting a nonprescription medication, what should pharmacists base their decision on?

Up-to-date knowledge of the literature and a critical risk-benefit evaluation. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a recommendation for pharmacists to provide to breastfeeding women?

Advise switching to formula feeding. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a way in which patients present to pharmacists and their staff?

Seeking advice on how to manage chronic conditions. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a responsibility of the pharmacist?

Prescribing medications based on the patient's symptoms. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary consideration when seeking advice about symptoms, according to the text?

Any person seeking advice is considered a patient. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is true about patients, according to the text?

Patients are expected to have some knowledge about their condition. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a way for pharmacists to help breastfeeding women avoid problems?

Recommend combination products. Signup and view all the answers

When should a pharmacist consider referring a patient to a doctor?

When the symptoms have persisted for a long time Signup and view all the answers

What are examples of red flag symptoms that may prompt a pharmacist to refer a patient to a doctor?

Fever and swelling Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of the pharmacist's background helps in making logical treatment choices for patients?

Background in pharmacology, therapeutics, and pharmaceutics Signup and view all the answers

What should pharmacists consider besides the effectiveness of active ingredients when choosing treatment?

Potential drug interactions, cautions, and adverse reactions Signup and view all the answers

Under what circumstances should a pharmacist advise a patient regarding action if symptoms do not improve?

Based on the timescale provided for symptom improvement Signup and view all the answers

What are the potential risks associated with over-the-counter drugs that pharmacists should be aware of?

They may worsen existing medical conditions or interact with prescription medications Signup and view all the answers