OTC Medicines

The annual Monitoring the Future survey (MTF), conducted by researchers at the University of Michigan and funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), shows that overall substance use self-reported by teens in 2024 remains low and below pre-pandemic levels, and, specifically, intentional misuse/abuse (“nonmedical use”) of over-the-counter (OTC) cough/cold medication has also remained low.

CHPA joined the Congressional Trademark Caucus, the International Trademark Association (INTA), and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's Global Innovation Policy Center (GIPC) on Capitol Hill Wednesday for a discussion and programming on anti-counterfeiting initiatives. The program included remarks from U.S. Senators Chuck Grassley (R-IA) and Chris Coons (D-DE), a panel discussion with U.S. government officials, a fireside chat with brand owners, and interactive booths to inform congressional staff about how to spot counterfeit goods and how to educate consumers about how to protect themselves, ways to report criminal activity, and other important information.

(WASHINGTON, D.C.) — Today, the Consumer Healthcare Products Association (CHPA), the national trade association representing the leading manufacturers and marketers of over-the-counter (OTC) consumer healthcare products, announced the addition of 14 new members, four manufacturers and 10 associate members since July.

Consumer Healthcare Products Association (CHPA) President & CEO Scott Melville released the below statement today following Rep. Brett Guthrie (KY-02) being selected to serve as Chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee in the 119th Congress:

(WASHINGTON, D.C.) – Consumer Healthcare Products Association (CHPA) President & CEO Scott Melville released the below Statement today following President-elect Donald Trump’s recent nomination of Dr. Marty Makary to lead the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA): 

As more and more consumers turn to dietary supplements to fill nutrition gaps and support general health and wellness, a growing number of state governments are seeking to regulate these products to ensure the health and safety of constituents who may be consuming them. One area of interest to policymakers in recent years is the category of weight loss products.

Whether a product is regulated as a cosmetic or a drug (or both) under federal law is determined by a product's intended use. Products having both cosmetic and drug intended uses (typically defined by claims made on product labeling) include, for example, anti-dandruff shampoo, a fluoride-containing whitening toothpaste, and a skin moisturizer containing sunscreen active ingredients. These products are always required to display an OTC Drug Facts label.

For more than 45 years, most OTC drugs have been regulated under the OTC Monograph system established by FDA to provide a framework to review and assess safety and efficacy of ingredients, formulations, labeling, and dosage instructions for nonprescription medicines.

Fearing links to human health problems and harm to the environment, state lawmakers are increasingly seeking to restrict the use and/or presence of PFAS in consumer products and packaging, whether intentionally added or not.