New OTC drugs and devices 1999: a selective review.
OBJECTIVE
To educate pharmacists about newly introduced nonprescription products/devices/diagnostic products, and to create a heightened awareness of the dilemma of dietary supplements and the problems their use poses for consumers and pharmacists.


METHODS
Recent clinical and pharmaceutical industry literature.


RESULTS
It is critical for the pharmacist to be knowledgeable about dietary supplements to be able to appropriately counsel patients on benefits and risks associated with their use. In addition, numerous other nonprescription products, including home diagnostic products and accessories, will continue to become available on the U.S. market. It is important that the pharmacist become as knowledgeable as possible about these and be capable of educating the consuming public about their appropriate use.


CONCLUSIONS
Dietary supplements will continue to flood the self-care market. Pharmacists need a balanced understanding of these products to assist the consumer. The new nonprescription medications cited in this review represent valuable additions to the growing array of self-care products for consumer use.
Newton
G D
GD
School of Pharmacy and Pharmacal Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Ind. 47907-1335, USA.
McCullough
J A
JA
Pray
W S
WS
Popovich
N G
NG
D019587:Dietary Supplements / Q000009:adverse effects; D004348:Drug Labeling; D004864:Equipment and Supplies; D006801:Humans; D004366:Nonprescription Drugs; D014481:United States; D014486:United States Food and Drug Administration
D004366:Nonprescription Drugs