Self Care Trends

For millions of Americans, OTC medicines are the first line of treatment for a number of self-diagnosed conditions---heartburn, constipation, headache, allergy, skin conditions, dry eye---just to name a few. According to a November 2010 Consumer Healthcare Products Association national survey, 93% of U.S. adults prefer to treat their minor ailments with OTC products before seeking professional care.

Rx EDGE programs let you reach this huge audience when health concerns are top of mind and remedies are being sought.

OTC Medicines/Dietary Supplements Facts and Figures

88% of physicians recommend patients try to address minor ailments with self-care interventions, including the use of OTC medicines, before seeking professional care. (StrategyOne for CHPA, November 24, 2010)

93% of U.S. adults prefer to treat their minor ailments with OTC medicines before seeking professional care. (StrategyOne for CHPA, November 24, 2010)

85% of U.S. parents prefer to treat their children's minor ailments with an OTC medicine before seeking professional care. (StrategyOne for CHPA, November 24, 2010)

68% of parents reported having given their child an OTC medicine late at night for a sudden medical the child experienced. (StrategyOne for CHPA, November 24, 2010)

U.S. retail sales of over-the-counter (OTC) medicines in 2010 (excluding Wal-Mart) were $17 billion. (The Nielsen Company, 2011)

81% of U.S. adults use OTC medicines as a first response to minor ailments. (StrategyOne for CHPA, November 24, 2010)

85% of American consumers think it is important to have access to OTCs to relieve minor medical problems. (American Pharmacists Association, 2000)

A majority of Americans (92%) believe that OTC medicines are safe and effective. (StrategyOne for CHPA, November 24, 2010)

Adults 50 years and older consume two-thirds of all OTC medicines sold in the United States. (Forbes Connection OTC/Health report 2011/2012)

Most individuals take the necessary precautions, such as reading directions before taking a nonprescription product for the first time (95%), reading labels to choose appropriate OTC medicines (89%), and reading about possible side effects and interactions (91%). (Roper Starch Worldwide, 2001)

By specific condition, Americans use dietary supplements most often for menopause, followed by cough, cold, flu, or sore throat in second, and allergy or sinus conditions in third. (Roper Starch Worldwide, 2001)

Multivitamins/multiminerals are the most commonly used dietary supplements, with approximately 40% of men and women reporting use during 2003–2006. (CDC/NCHS, National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey)