Be Wise About Nonprescription Medicines (NAPSA)—It’s official. A new law requiring a standardized “Drug Facts” label on over-thecounter (OTC) medicines is in effect, makingit easier for consumers to select the right OTC medicines more simply and wisely. Developed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the new “Drug Facts” label clearly spells out each OTC drug’s active ingredients, the purpose of the medication, uses and specific warnings, dosage instructions and the drug’s inactive ingredients. This vital information is conveyed in large type, using plain, easy-tounderstand terms. Since the new label will be most effective if people learn how to use it, the National Council for Patient Information and Education (NCPIE) is going the next step with Be MedWise. This new campaign will help consumers interpret labeling information when comparing different OTC medicines and before using these medications. NCPIE recommends these ten steps you can take to Be MedWise: 1. Read the label—know your medicine 2. Match your symptoms to the ingredients @ alcohol, Sedati " z be careful whena and tranquilizers mapa alcoholle drinks Sxottabity may occurlid a Motor Vehicle no” tOMsiness eerat or brecohsede in children9 Machinery Centernine= f22eh Ofchien} si* 8 Neath protsene goa eat r: In ca89 of overd " Medical / An improved label is now appearing on over-the-counter medicines. 3. Heed product warnings 4. Unsure? Askbefore you take 5. Take the exact amount 6. Compareactive ingredients 7. Use caution if you take other medicines 8. Keep your medication list updated 9. Dose children’s medicines properly 10.Discard safely. old medicines For more information, visit the Be MedWise Web site at www.bemedwise.org.
