No one likes a headache, so what would people do without products such as Advil and Tylenol? These are just two of the many common pharmaceuticals that are used by people every day for their aches and pains. Some are for smaller pains and there are stronger pharmaceuticals to deal with more serious ailments.
Pharmaceuticals generally fall into three categories: over-the-counter, generic and prescription. All three types are vital to the pain relief of many people and even their survival. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates pharmaceuticals.
Over-the-Counter
Over-the-counter pharmaceuticals are those that are just that — available over the counter without a prescription. These can be bought from any in-store supplier with no further questions asked of the purchaser. The FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER) supervises over-the-counter pharmaceuticals (as well as other kinds) to guarantee they are properly labeled and that their benefits outweigh the risks.
Over-the-counter pharmaceuticals normally have the following characteristics: risks are outweighed by benefits, low probability of misuse and abuse, use for conditions that the consumers can identify themselves, are labeled correctly, and healthcare professionals are not needed for their proper use. All the information the consumer needs to know about the pharmaceutical can be found on the product’s label, including, but not limited to: proper use, ingredients, warnings, and ailments it helps. Always follow the label directions exactly to avoid misuse. Some common over-the-counter pharmaceuticals include medications for pain relief, coughs, and colds, as well as sleeping aids, weight loss supplements, and vitamin supplements.
Prescription
Prescription pharmaceuticals are those that cannot be obtained over-the-counter. These types require a prescription from a doctor. They must be prescribed for a specific ailment or ailments. These drugs are common to reduce types of pain associated with surgery and diseases that are too severe for over-the-counter pharmaceuticals. Prescription pharmaceuticals are also used for those with chronic illness to help them relieve their symptoms and live a normal day-to-day life, without having to worry as much about the condition. They are also used for those with mental illness, depression, anxiety and related conditions.
The majority of people who take prescription pharmaceuticals use them with the proper care and following their doctor’s instructions. Yet, there is a growing problem with the misuse of prescription pharmaceuticals. Some prescription medications, such as some painkillers, are very addictive and habit forming, and much care should be taken while on them to prevent addiction.
Generic
Generic pharmaceuticals are copies of brand-name pharmaceuticals containing the same safety, strength and dosage. Generic brands are essentially the same as their brand-name counterparts, but for a lesser price. Generic drugs are less because they can only go on sale after the brand-name drug’s patent runs out. The patent is planned to give the manufacturer the time, usually around 20 years, to make back the research cost they spent when developing the drug. Once this expires, generic manufacturers are permitted to apply to the FDA to sell the drug. This makes the pharmaceutical market more competitive and results in lower prices.
By Lauren Culliton