White Paper on the Benefits of OTC Medicines in the United States

Americans rely on over-the-counter (OTC) medicines for the treatment and prevention of many commonly occurring conditions including musculoskeletal pain, headaches, the common cold, allergies, heartburn, dermatitis, obesity, tobacco smoking dependence, and dental caries. This report examines the role of OTC medicines in the U.S. healthcare system as reflected through professional treatment guidelines, medication use data, as well as clinical and consumer research