U.S. Healthcare

Understanding the value of and trust in over-the‐counter medicines.

What drives primary care physicians’ trust in OTC medicines? Of 20 different trust criteria, the most important to primary care physicians are:

OTC medicines contribute valuable savings to the U.S. healthcare system.For every $1 spent on OTC medicines, the U.S. healthcare system saves $6–$7, contributing a total of $102 billion in savings each year.

OTC medicines play a vital role in Americans’ lives.61 million Americans have avoided missing work, school, and scheduled appointments due to an illness, adding up to a savings of $23 billion in potential productivity benefits.

*When used and stored as directed, OTC medicines are effective in providing relief for everyday ailments and helping to address personal health and wellness issues.

Sources: Understanding Trust in Over-the-Counter Medicines: Consumer and Healthcare Provider Perspectives, Nielsen and IMS, Mar. 2013. The Value of OTC Medicine to the United States, Booz & Co., Jan. 2012.

An OTC medicine they know will work

consistently.

An OTC medicine they know will be as effective

as a prescription.*

An OTC medicine they know will achieve successful

patient outcomes.

Americans rely on accessible and cost-effective over-the-counter (OTC) medicines to get well, stay well, and feel well. Nearly all primary care physicians surveyed recommend OTC medicines

to their patients without reservation.

A

98% of primary care physicians report they trust OTC medicines and recommend them to their patients.

98%