OTCs and Herbals 18 Nov 24'

Question 1

What agency oversees the development process of drugs in the US?

Answer 1

Food & Drug Administration (FDA)

Grants approval for marketing and must ensure drugs are ‘safe and effective’.

Question 2

What are the two categories of non-prescription drugs?

Answer 2

Over-the-Counter (OTC) and Herbal supplements.

Question 3

What defines prescription drugs (Rx)?

Answer 3

Only available by recommendation of an authorized health professional and viewed as ‘more effective’ by the public.

Question 4

What are non-prescription drugs (OTC)?

Answer 4

Freely available to the general public, with a low risk for harm/abuse, but does not equate to ‘safe’.

Question 5

What is the annual sales figure for OTC drugs?

Answer 5

$40 billion in sales/year.

Question 6

How many different OTC products are there?

Answer 6

More than 300,000 different OTC products.

Question 7

What does GRASE stand for?

Answer 7

Generally recognized as safe and effective.

Question 8

What are some types of OTC drugs?

Answer 8

Analgesics, cold/allergy/cough medications, sleep aids, stimulants, antacids, diet aids, skin products, first-aid products.

Question 9

What are behind-the-counter (BTC) products?

Answer 9

Sold in pharmacies and must be obtained from a pharmacist, allowing for counseling.

Question 10

What is the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA)?

Answer 10

It defines dietary supplements, which include vitamins, minerals, herbs, and botanicals.

Question 11

What are herbal medicines?

Answer 11

Medicinal compounds obtained from plants, which may be either Rx or OTC.

Question 12

What is Echinacea known for?

Answer 12

Stimulation of the immune system and anti-inflammatory properties.

Question 13

What are the reported adverse effects of Echinacea?

Answer 13

GI upset (minimal) and potential drug interactions.

Question 14

What is garlic known for?

Answer 14

Reduction in total cholesterol and anti-platelet effects.

Question 15

What are the benefits of Ginkgo biloba?

Answer 15

Increased blood flow and free radical scavenging.

Question 16

What caution should be taken with St. John’s Wort?

Answer 16

It can cause multiple drug interactions and should not be taken with MAOIs or SSRIs.

Question 17

What are some common herbal medications?

Answer 17

Ginseng, Milk Thistle, Saw Palmetto, Kava kava, Kombucha tea, Aloe, Black cohosh.

Question 18

What are vitamins and minerals?

Answer 18

Essential nutrients that cannot be synthesized by the body and are generally obtained through food.

Question 19

What are purified nutritional supplements?

Answer 19

Coenzyme Q10, Glucosamine, Melatonin.

Question 20

What does Evolv / Alovea Limitless contain?

Answer 20

A targeted concentration of beet root extract with anti-inflammatory properties.

Question 21

What is the disclaimer for Evolv / Alovea Limitless?

Answer 21

All statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and the product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.