OTCs and Herbals 18 Nov 24' Flashcards
What agency oversees the development process of drugs in the US?
Food & Drug Administration (FDA)
Grants approval for marketing and must ensure drugs are ‘safe and effective’.
What are the two categories of non-prescription drugs?
Over-the-Counter (OTC) and Herbal supplements.
What defines prescription drugs (Rx)?
Only available by recommendation of an authorized health professional and viewed as ‘more effective’ by the public.
What are non-prescription drugs (OTC)?
Freely available to the general public, with a low risk for harm/abuse, but does not equate to ‘safe’.
What is the annual sales figure for OTC drugs?
$40 billion in sales/year.
How many different OTC products are there?
More than 300,000 different OTC products.
What does GRASE stand for?
Generally recognized as safe and effective.
What are some types of OTC drugs?
Analgesics, cold/allergy/cough medications, sleep aids, stimulants, antacids, diet aids, skin products, first-aid products.
What are behind-the-counter (BTC) products?
Sold in pharmacies and must be obtained from a pharmacist, allowing for counseling.
What is the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA)?
It defines dietary supplements, which include vitamins, minerals, herbs, and botanicals.
What are herbal medicines?
Medicinal compounds obtained from plants, which may be either Rx or OTC.
What is Echinacea known for?
Stimulation of the immune system and anti-inflammatory properties.
What are the reported adverse effects of Echinacea?
GI upset (minimal) and potential drug interactions.
What is garlic known for?
Reduction in total cholesterol and anti-platelet effects.
What are the benefits of Ginkgo biloba?
Increased blood flow and free radical scavenging.
What caution should be taken with St. John’s Wort?
It can cause multiple drug interactions and should not be taken with MAOIs or SSRIs.
What are some common herbal medications?
Ginseng, Milk Thistle, Saw Palmetto, Kava kava, Kombucha tea, Aloe, Black cohosh.
What are vitamins and minerals?
Essential nutrients that cannot be synthesized by the body and are generally obtained through food.
What are purified nutritional supplements?
Coenzyme Q10, Glucosamine, Melatonin.
What does Evolv / Alovea Limitless contain?
A targeted concentration of beet root extract with anti-inflammatory properties.
What is the disclaimer for Evolv / Alovea Limitless?
All statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and the product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
