U.S. Healthcare

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

98% of nurse practitioners report they trust OTC medicines and recommend them to their patients.

What drives nurse practitioners’ trust in OTC medicines? Of 20 different trust criteria, the most important to nurse practitioners 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.

98%

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

nurse practitioners surveyed recommend OTC medicines to their patients without reservation.

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