title: Consumer knowledge about over-the-counter NSAIDs: they don't know what they don't know.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To investigate consumers' knowledge about commonly purchased over-the-counter (OTC) products containing ibuprofen.
  
  
  METHODS
  Customers buying two popular OTC ibuprofen-containing products (Nurofen™or Nurofen Plus™) were asked to complete a short survey assessing their knowledge about the products.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The survey was completed by 262 respondents, most of whom were older than 50 years of age; female; well-educated; with adequate functional health literacy. The majority correctly identified ibuprofen as an active ingredient and knew the correct intervals between doses. However, almost a third couldn't correctly identify the maximum daily dose and were unaware of some contraindications. Furthermore, fewer than half recognised potential side effects. Those who hadn't completed high school were significantly less likely to seek medical advice (when required) and significantly less likely to know when it was safe to take these products.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The gaps in consumer knowledge, especially about the maximum daily dose, contraindications and potential side effects may be placing consumers at risk of experiencing ibuprofen-related adverse events. Implications for public health: Improving consumer knowledge to address these gaps in their understanding about the safe use of popular OTC ibuprofen-containing products is an important public health concern.
authors: School of Medicine, University of Wollongong, New South Wales.
authors: Judy
authors: J
authors: Mullan
authors: School of Medicine, University of Wollongong, New South Wales.
authors: Kathryn M
authors: KM
authors: Weston
authors: School of Medicine, University of Wollongong, New South Wales.
authors: Andrew
authors: A
authors: Bonney
authors: School of Medicine, University of Wollongong, New South Wales.
authors: Pippa
authors: P
authors: Burns
authors: Community Pharmacist, New South Wales.
authors: John
authors: J
authors: Mullan
authors: Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, US.
authors: Rima
authors: R
authors: Rudd
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D003258:Consumer Behavior; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D057220:Health Literacy; D006801:Humans; D007052:Ibuprofen / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009517:New South Wales; D004366:Nonprescription Drugs / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects
chemical_list: D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D004366:Nonprescription Drugs; D007052:Ibuprofen
keywords: Ibuprofen; Over-the-counter NSAIDs; adverse drug events; consumer knowledge; health literacy