United Health Foundation, Minnetonka, in partnership with the Food and Drug Administration, has launched a nationwide campaign to educate consumers about how to use over-the-counter drugs safely. The misuse of over-the-counter medications accounts for a reported 178,000 hospitalizations annually.

"As part of our mission, United Health Foundation partners with trusted organizations to provide reliable, science-based information that helps individuals and their physicians achieve better and safer health outcomes," said Reed Tuckson, M.D., vice president, United Health Foundation. "Given the significant health consequences that can arise from misuse of over-the-counter medications, we are pleased to partner with the FDA to focus on this important issue."

"Over-the-counter medications are powerful drugs that must be used correctly if they are to work effectively," said Dr. Steven Galson, acting director, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, U.S. Food and Drug Administration. "With the help of the United Health Foundation, we are educating consumers about important steps they can take, and how to work with their health professionals to use over-the-counter medications safely and appropriately for themselves and their families.

The health education campaign is appearing through the end of the year in national print publications and online health and news sources, such as People, USA Weekend, Good Housekeeping, Ebony, Better Homes & Gardens, Woman’s Day, Prevention, Family Circle, Parenting, Vista, Yahoo!, AOL, ABCNews.com and About.com. The campaign is aimed at women ages 25-60, who are estimated to make 75 percent of all household health decisions. Materials are available in both English and Spanish.

Through this campaign, consumers are reminded to:

• Always read and follow directions on over-the-counter product labels;

• Avoid taking more than one medication with the same active ingredients; and

• Talk with a health care professional if any side effects occur.

For more information and tips on how to use over-the-counter medications safely, visit United Health Foundation's Web site or the FDA's Web site.

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