National Consumers League

Health

Hot Topics in Health

'Double Check, Don’t Double Up' on acetaminophen this cold and flu season

Over the counter and Rx drug bottles and pillsA bad cold or the flu can stop you in your tracks. Each year, Americans catch an estimated 1 billion colds, and up to 20 percent get the flu. And most of us turn to medicine to relieve symptoms; but it is important that you read the label on your medicines to check for acetaminophen and don’t double up.

Read more: 'Double Check, Don’t Double Up' on acetaminophen this cold and flu season

Behind-the-counter drug class good for consumer

Consumers today are taking a more active role in their health care and self-diagnosing and self-medicating with over the counter medications, as well as dietary supplements and herbals. Historically NCL has been in favor of a "behind-the-counter" drug class to increase patient access to those medications they can safely use, after consultation with a pharmacist, to self-treat conditions they can self-diagnose. A BTC class would expand the range of conditions that patients can self-treat without spending time or money on a doctor’s visit. NCL's Rebecca Burkholder recently testified before the Food and Drug Administration about why and how NCL would support a new BTC class of drugs.

Read more: Behind-the-counter drug class good for consumer

What are drug interactions?

When one drug interacts or interferes with another, this changes the way one or both of the drugs work in the body and can cause unexpected, and sometimes dangerous, side effects.

Read more: What are drug interactions?

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Our fraud team tracks the latest Internet and telemarketing scams, and helps consumers avoid them.

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The ultimate consumer challenge, our teen quiz-show competition cultivates a new generation of savvy consumers.

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Our Child Labor Coalition works to end child labor exploitation and protect working minors in the U.S. and abroad.

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If you don't take your medicine as directed, you're putting your health and future at risk.

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NCL's Special Project on Wage Theft is educating workers and employers about the growing problem, which affects blue- and white-collar employees.

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