CHPA’s Your Heath at Hand Initiative Emphasizes Critical Role of Over-the-Counter Medicines to Americans and in the U.S. Healthcare System

For millions of Americans, OTC medicines are a trusted and affordable way to get well, stay well, and feel well. The Consumer Healthcare Products Association (CHPA), the association representing the makers of these medicines, developed the Your Health at Hand initiative to underscore the value and solutions these convenient and effective healthcare options provide to American families, to healthcare providers, and to the U.S. healthcare system overall. Through research and engagement, the initiative highlights the many benefits of OTC medicines, including:

Access to conveniently available healthcare options 24/7 for busy families and caregivers;

Affordability for both consumers and the healthcare system;

Empowerment for individuals and families to meet their everyday healthcare needs; and

Trust in safe and effective medicines. By the Numbers: The Importance of OTC Medicines To better understand and quantify the important role OTC medicines play in the U.S. healthcare system, CHPA commissioned the Your Health at Hand survey of 1,000 U.S. consumers and 500 practicing physicians, and a corresponding cost-savings study. The findings of the survey and study are clear: OTC medicines play an important role in Americans’ daily lives and in the U.S. healthcare system. Some key findings include:

OTC medicines are a trusted first line of treatment for everyday relief and provide Americans with effective solutions to better manage their health by treating their illnesses, alleviating their pain, and adopting healthier lifestyles.

Healthcare professionals recognize and respect the importance of OTC medicines, with 92% of physicians agreeing OTC medicines are effective and 91% agree these medicines are safe. 1

OTC medicines empower consumers to take charge of their personal health. An overwhelming majority of consumers, 89%, believe OTC medicines are an important part of their overall family healthcare. 2

OTC medicines provide affordable treatment options – 86% of U.S. adults believe responsible, OTC medicine use helps lower healthcare costs for people like them.3

On average, physicians say more than 10% of office visits result from minor ailments that could be self-managed by patients. This amounts to tens of millions of unnecessary appointments each year that could be avoided.4

Consumers and taxpayers could save $5.2 billion annually if half of the unnecessary visits to physicians were avoided by more personal health management including greater use of OTC medicines.5

Real Voices: Sharing the OTC Medicines Story It would be impossible to discuss the value of OTC medicines without real stories from the people who rely on them. The initiative showcases Real Voices—personal testimonials from healthcare experts, medical professionals, and consumers alike—on the important role that OTC medicines play in treating patients, enhancing family health, and benefiting the nation’s healthcare system at-large.

For more information on Your Health at Hand, including research, data, and Real Voices, visit YourHealthAtHand.org.

The Consumer Healthcare Products Association (CHPA) is the 130-year-old-trade association representing U.S. manufacturers and distributors of over-the-counter medicines and dietary supplements. www.chpa-info.org.

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Your Health at Hand: Perceptions of over-the-counter medicine in the United States, StrategyOne for CHPA, November 24, 2010. 5 Potential Reduction in Unnecessary Visits to Doctors from Safe and Appropriate Use of OTC Medicines Could

Save Consumers and Taxpayers Billions Annually, Paul A. London and Associates, June 2011.