New Data Suggest That Despite Knowing the Risk of Self-Medication, 76
Percent of American Adults Use Non-Prescription Medications for Themselves
and Their Children
BRIDGEWATER, N.J., March 20 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- New survey
results released today reveal that, while most U.S. adults take
non-prescription or over-the-counter medications to treat a variety of
common illnesses in order to save time, money and a trip to the doctor,
many may be placing themselves or their children at risk by leaving the
healthcare provider out of the equation. This survey, conducted by Harris
Interactive(R) on behalf of the National Council on Patient Information and
Education (NCPIE) with support from sanofi-aventis, sought to identify and
understand the types of conditions for which consumers are most likely to
self-medicate themselves and their children. The survey also examined the
factors that motivate consumers to take non-prescription or
over-the-counter medications before or instead of consulting their doctor.
According to the survey, 29 percent of consumers reported that they
typically self-treat seasonal allergies and 14 percent reported
self-medicating year-round allergies. Although 9 of 10 adults who
self-medicate conditions such as cough and cold, seasonal or year-round
allergies, heartburn, or severe headaches, cited familiarity with how to
treat their own (90%) or their child's illness (93%) due to past experience
treating the condition; the majority (76%) recognized that self-medicating
with non-prescription medications can pose possible risks. About one in
five adults who typically self-medicate report that they have not used
non-prescription medications as directed, either by taking more than the
recommended dose (20%) or by taking these medications more frequently than
indicated (17%). When asked specifically about self-treatment for seasonal
allergies, 68 percent of seasonal allergy sufferers who typically treat
their symptoms with non-prescription medications have driven a car while
doing so, even though some of these medications may cause the user to be
impaired and their labels state to use caution when driving a motor vehicle
or operating machinery.
"No matter what medication you are taking, whether it is prescription
or over-the-counter, medicines should always be taken with care," says Ray
Bullman, Executive Vice President of the National Council on Patient
Information and Education (NCPIE). "By asking questions, carefully
following instructions on the OTC Drug Facts label or the printout
accompanying prescription medicines, sharing information with your doctor
or pharmacist and responsibly educating yourself about the medication you
are taking, you can significantly reduce any associated risks."
The survey results also revealed that more than four in five adults
(82%) typically self-medicate for various health conditions they have
experienced in the past year that may be treated or relieved by
non-prescription medication, the most common of which are colds (56%),
coughs (37%) and seasonal allergies (29%). However, while many
self-medicate because it is more convenient (86%) or because they believe
their illness is not serious enough to warrant a doctor's visit (78%), more
often than not, their symptoms continue. Results show that 70 percent of
adults who treat their cold and/or seasonal allergy symptoms with
non-prescription medications experience persistent symptoms, such as nasal
congestion (35%), which leads them to consult their doctor or to seek an
alternate treatment, which may cost them more time and money.
"At times it can be very difficult for individuals to distinguish the
symptoms of a viral cold from those symptoms due to seasonal allergies.
Therefore, to get an accurate diagnosis and appropriate recommendations for
prescription and non-prescription medication, it is helpful in such
situations for people to seek advice from their healthcare provider," says
Dr. Eli Meltzer, co-director of the Allergy & Asthma Medical Group and
Research Center in San Diego, Calif.
About the Survey
Harris Interactive conducted this telephone survey on behalf of the
National Council on Patient Information and Education with support from
sanofi-aventis between January 18 and January 21, 2008. A nationally
representative sample of 1,005 adults ages 18+ were interviewed, of whom,
650 typically self-medicate before or instead of consulting their doctor.
For complete methodology, including weighting variables, please visit
http://www.BeMedWise.org.
About NCPIE
Founded in 1982, the National Council on Patient Information and
Education (NCPIE) is a non-profit coalition of over 100 organizations.
NCPIE's mission is to stimulate and improve communication of information on
the appropriate use of medicines to consumers and health care
professionals. NCPIE develops programs, provides educational resources, and
offers services to advance the common mission of its members.
About Harris Interactive
Harris Interactive is one of the largest and fastest-growing market
research firms in the world. The company provides innovative research,
insights and strategic advice to help its clients make more confident
decisions which lead to measurable and enduring improvements in
performance. Harris Interactive is widely known for The Harris Poll(R), one
of the longest running, independent opinion polls, and for pioneering
online market research methods. The company has built what it believes to
be the world's largest panel of survey respondents, the Harris Poll Online.
Harris Interactive serves clients worldwide through its North American,
European and Asian offices, and through a global network of independent
market research firms. More information about Harris Interactive may be
obtained at http://www.harrisinteractive.com.
To become a member of the Harris Poll Online and be invited to
participate in online surveys, register at http://www.harrispollonline.com.
About sanofi-aventis
Sanofi-aventis, a leading global pharmaceutical company, discovers,
develops and distributes therapeutic solutions to improve the lives of
everyone. Sanofi-aventis is listed in Paris (EURONEXT: SAN) and in New York
(NYSE: SNY).
Media Relations: Tel: 908-981-6567
E-mail: us.media-relations@sanofi-aventis.com
Investor Relations: Tel: 908-981-5560
E-mail: IR@sanofi-aventis.com
SOURCE sanofi-aventis
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Related links:
http://www.sanofi-aventis.us
http://www.sanofi-aventis.com
http://www.prnewswire.com/comp/232375.html /
CONTACT:
Amy Ba of sanofi-aventis, +1-908-981-6563,
amy.ba@sanofi-aventis.com
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