Any healthcare professional, including a travel nurse, is likely aware just how commonplace over-the-counter medications are. It's not unusual to learn that a patient has been taking acetaminophen for his or her headaches for the better part of a month, or that an individual has relied on antacids to cure his or her heartburn. As a nurse, it's important to understand the pros and cons of OTC drugs:
The good
Perhaps the most beneficial aspect of OTC medications is convenience. If you wake up in the morning with a few aches and pains, you don't necessarily need to schedule a doctor's appointment. You can simply walk to your medicine cabinet and take an OTC pain reliever. Similarly, an aspirin can eliminate the need to take a sick day from work due to a headache. These benefits can boost patients' quality of life and allow healthcare professionals to focus on patients in greater need of medical attention.
OTC medications are also money-savers for both patients and medical facilities. Picking up allergy medication at a drug store is typically less expensive than paying for a prescription. Meanwhile, the Consumer Healthcare Products Association found that this equates to $102 billion in annual savings between limited doctor visits and prescriptions purchased.
The bad
It's important to remind patients that just because a medication is available over the counter doesn't mean it's void of risks. This is a common misconception that can lead to serious health problems. A study published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine found that nearly 25 percent of individuals were at risk for overdosing on acetaminophen because they weren't able to determine safe dosage. Taking too much of this drug carries a lot of health risks. In fact, acetaminophen overdose is the No. 1 cause of liver failure.
Beyond misusing OTC drugs, patients may also rely on these medications more than they should. For instance, taking an antacid for an extended period of time may mask an underlying problem of gastroesophageal reflux disease. A doctor, on the other hand, could diagnose this condition and explain that the patient is at risk for esophageal cancer because of it.
OTC medications are OK when taken in moderation. As a travel nurse, it's crucial that you explain safe-use tips to patients. For example, you may recommend that a patient relies on OTC drugs for no more than a week before scheduling an appointment with a physician. You can also teach patients about the importance of correct dosage.