Medicine Basics
Medicines play an important role in reducing the effects of disease and improving the quality of life. While drugs can help you maintain your health, be sure to use them with care. This section of myhealthyseasons.com provides information to help you choose, use and store medicines appropriately.

What is the difference between prescription and OTC medicines?

Prescription medicines are recommended for you by your doctor. He or she writes a prescription that you take to a pharmacist to purchase the drug. You can buy OTC, or over-the-counter, medicines without a doctor’s prescription in pharmacies, grocery stores and other retailers.

OTC drugs generally:

• Can be used for self-diagnosed conditions
• Can be used without the direction of a doctor or other healthcare professional