The American Gastroenterological Association launches Gut Check: Know Your Medicine, An Education Campaign Focused on the Safe Use of Over-the-Counter Products
Charles Melbern Wilcox, MD, Professor of Medicine in the Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, University of Alabama at Birmingham
Stations, the following is a news announcement, suggested lead in 3, 2, 1…
(INTRO)
As cold and flu season intensifies, so will the use of over-the-counter pain and fever medicines. To help adults safely take these medicines, the American Gastroenterological Association has launched an innovative education campaign called “Gut Check: Know Your Medicine.”
Gastroenterologist Charles Melbern Wilcox outlines the details.
(WILCOX)
MANY ADULTS ASSUME THAT BECAUSE OVER-THE-COUNTER PRODUCTS DON’T REQUIRE A PRESCRIPTION, THEY CAN BE TAKEN CASUALLY AND WITHOUT READING THE LABELS. BUT SERIOUS LIVER DAMAGE AND STOMACH BLEEDING CAN RESULT FROM MEDICINE INGREDIENT OVERDOSE. IN MANY CASES, THIS HARM IS ACCIDENTAL AND PREVENTABLE. WE WANT TO INCREASE AWARENESS OF THOSE ISSUES AND EDUCATE ADULTS ON USING OVER-THE-COUNTER PAIN MEDICINE RESPONSIBLY. OUR CAMPAIGN INCLUDES A PSA VIDEO THAT HIGHLIGHTS THE IMPORTANCE OF READING AND FOLLOWING MEDICINE LABELS AND DOSING INSTRUCTIONS, AND ONLY TAKING ONE PRODUCT AT A TIME WITH THE SAME INGREDIENT. ULTIMATELY, ADULTS MUST TAKE AN ACTIVE ROLE IN THEIR HEALTH.
(CLOSE)
For the video and more information, visit gutcheck.gastro.org.