OTC products have become part and parcel of health and personal care for everyone today. From cough, cold to skin care, they are used left right and centre by patients daily. They are one of the soaring markets and have clearly taken over the personal care industry globally. All of us must at least have few or too many OTC Products lying in our health & beauty basket.
The term Over-The-Counter (OTC) refers to a medication that can be purchased and used safely without a medical prescription or professional help. They can range from topical products like shampoos, conditioners, face washes, sunscreens, moisturisers etc to few oral medications like supplements, anti histamines, pain killers etc.
Why do Patients choose OTC products ?
Many patients even prefer OTC products to medicated or prescription drugs because
Easily available, accessible and quick fix.
Patients don't have time or can't make time for doctor's appointments because of busy life.
Immense awareness and advertisements about health and beauty care products over social media platforms.
Marketed as safe or natural or chemical free.
Easy on money.
Used as an alternative to medicated drugs.
Though OTC products can be like a bridge between patients' problems and their need for instant solutions, one has to be aware of what they are applying or ingesting and if it is really needed for them or not, as to avoid unforeseen reactions or complications which can appear either immediately or after few days and sometimes these reactions can be life threatening too (especially with oral medications).
So, What are the few loopholes of OTC products?
1. Ingredients or Dosages not mentioned : when you don't know the active ingredients or if they are not labelled properly with dosages, one wouldn't know how much quantity of an ingredient they are being exposed to on a daily basis ( which can later turn into accumulative lethal dose over period of years like for example using “certain fairness creams with no labelling” as they mostly contain steroids in them)
2. Allergic Reactions : An allergic reaction can even happen because of paracetamol or petroleum jelly. Unless the molecule enters our body, we can't be sure of how it would react. So just because the product is “best selling” or “natural” or “ammonia free” or “organic”, doesn't mean it would suit you. Few OTC products can be comedogenic (causing breakouts) too.
3. Development of Resistance : Many have the habit of taking medication for a few days and then abandoning them once they are relieved of symptoms. This will, in time, lead to resistance and the molecule may stop working altogether in future.
4. Complications : Sometimes prolonged and unnecessary usage of OTC products can lead to severe complications like systemic toxicity and can be irreversible too.
So as a dermatologist, i would suggest you following tips while choosing OTC products :
1. Discuss with your dermatologist or physician : Before you embark on hoarding your shopping cart, have a word with your doctor, find out if OTC products can be used as an alternative for particular medication and take suggestions from them.
2. Think and assess before you buy : There's an armamentarium of skin and hair products today which you may or may not need at all. Don't experiment or buy products just because someone suggested or a celebrity endorsed it or “it’s trending” on social media. Think and assess if you really have symptoms or issues that can be resolved by that molecule or not. Sometimes a simple moisturiser can fix your problem.
3. Special categories : If you have sensitive skin or are pregnant or lactating or have health conditions like diabetes, or have allergic tendency to medications, it is good to refrain from purchasing OTC products if you are not aware of active ingredients in them.
4. Test before you use them : Buy sample packages if they are available and test it on your wrist or behind your ear. After 48 hours, if there are no visible reactions, then the product is suitable but still be cautious of delayed reactions and conscious of the amount/frequency of application.
In many countries, there are regulatory bodies that keep a check on OTC products so that they are safe and effective to use without doctors consultation. But in India, there are few lacuna regarding the definition and regulation of OTC products. So be careful and cautious next time you buy OTC products online or from a chemist..!!
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