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U.S. Healthcare Understanding the value of and trust in over-the‐ counter medicines. What drives pediatricians’ trust in OTC medicines? Of 20 different trust criteria, the most important to pediatricians are: OTC medicines contribute valuable savings to the U.S. healthcare system. For every $1 spent on OTC medicines, the U.S. healthcare system saves $6–$7, contributing a total of $102 billion in savings each year. OTC medicines play a vital role in Americans’ lives. 61 million Americans have avoided missing work, school, and scheduled appointments due to an illness, adding up to a savings of $23 billion in potential productivity benefits. *When used and stored as directed, OTC medicines are effective in providing relief for everyday ailments and helping to address personal health and wellness issues. Sources: Understanding Trust in Over-the-Counter Medicines: Consumer and Healthcare Provider Perspectives, Nielsen and IMS, Mar. 2013. The Value of OTC Medicine to the United States, Booz & Co., Jan. 2012. An OTC medicine they know will work consistently. An OTC medicine they know will be as effective as a prescription.* An OTC medicine they know is safe to give to children under 18. Americans rely on accessible and cost-effective over-the-counter (OTC) medicines to get well, stay well, and feel well. Nearly all pediatricians surveyed recommend OTC medicines to their patients without reservation. A 89 % 89% of pediatricians report they trust OTC medicines and recommend them to their patients.
