Study Backgrounder: Non-Prescription Medication Usage

Methodology

A national survey of 1,500 Canadians aged 18 and older was conducted by Leger Marketing between October 19 and October 24, 2004, with a confidence level of +/- 2.5%, 19 times out of 20.

Main finding

Many Canadians (66 per cent) are users of over-the-counter medications. In fact, 12 per cent of Canadians say they take non-prescription medications on a daily basis. Providing Canadians with information about their medications and how to use them properly should continue to be a priority in order to ensure their safe and effective use.

The context

Non-prescription medications are very safe when taken as directed. Consultation with a health-care professional (e.g., pharmacist or doctor) should be encouraged to learn about side effects, to avoid possible drug interactions, and more. Canadians can also visit bemedwise.ca to learn about the questions they should ask when consulting with their health-care professional.

The specific findings

Canadians are frequent users of non-prescription medications.

• About two-thirds of Canadians (66 per cent) have sometimes used non-prescription medication in the past six months.
• As much as 12 per cent of Canadians took non-prescription medication daily. Daily usage of non-prescription medication increased with age: 26 per cent of those aged 65 or more took them daily.
• About six in 10 (57 per cent) sometimes took vitamins and minerals, while 34 per cent took herbal and natural products.

Non-prescription medications are being taken in combination with other products.

• In the past six months, 32 per cent of Canadians took a non-prescription and prescription medication at the same time.
• The number increased to 42 per cent for people over the age of 65.
• 13 per cent took two non-prescription medications simultaneously to treat the same symptoms.

Most consumers do not consult with a health-care professional before using a combination of medications, yet are aware that important information should be sought. Canadians should be reminded about the appropriate questions to ask their health-care professional when taking medications simultaneously.

• In the past six months, of those who took both a non-prescribed and prescribed medication simultaneously, half (54 per cent) consulted with a doctor first, and 17 per cent consulted with a pharmacist.
• However, almost three out of 10 people (28 per cent) did not consult with any type of health-care professional. This lack of consultation is highest (45%) among the youngest respondents (those aged 18-24). Consulting with a doctor or any other health-care professional is more likely as age increases.
• Ninety-one per cent stated that they somewhat or strongly agree with the statement that "pharmacists are a good provider of non-prescription medication information." However, only 17 per cent actually consulted with a pharmacist.
• When asked about what type of information should be sought, about half (49 per cent) of adults stated that information about possible side effects should be asked from a health-care professional before taking non-prescription medication.
• Knowing also to ask for other information - about possible drug interactions, the symptoms the product is intended to treat, warnings and precautions, and how to use the product - ranked significantly lower across all age groups.

For more information, please contact:

Louise Crandall
Canadian Pharmacists' Association
613-523-7877 ext. 267

Mike Murphy
The Drug Information and Research Centre
416-385-2440 ext. 4231