An exposé of OTC pain relievers and some suggested alternatives
What’s the implication? Well actually we’ve gotten lazy and complacent. Why? Because we pop these over the counter (OTC) medications like they are candy. Here is why they are NOT.
We spend $26 billion a year at places like CVS, Walgreens, etc. to self-medicate or follow pharmacist’s or doctor’s orders to manage symptoms. What is not mentioned is the real dangers of self-medicating. These OTCs are NOT risk free. Side effects can be harmful and cause more problems than the original malady presented to you. This typically causes a whack-a-mole approach due to the need for further OTC drugs to manage the new symptoms that arise. Now we are attempting to treat many things, have taken our eyes off the goal and have created new weaknesses in our biology.
Let’s take a look at a couple of “innocuous” OTC pain relievers that 99% of us have in our cabinet and my concerns for taking them. I choose the following two drugs for your consideration due to the list of possible reactions. These are spelled out in the package inserts, but they are are NOT routinely read by anyone. Quite frankly this should outrage us that docs don’t caution us about these risks and promote them more sparingly!
Adverse Reactions to Ibuprofen
Serious Reactions
- GI bleeding
- GI perforation
- GI ulcer
- MI
- stroke
- thromboembolism
- HTN
- CHF
- renal papillary necrosis
- nephrotoxicity
- hepatotoxicity
- anaphylaxis
- anaphylactoid rxn
- bronchospasm
- exfoliative dermatitis
- Stevens-Johnson syndrome
- toxic epidermal necrolysis
- drug rxn w/ eosinophilia and systemic sx
- thrombocytopenia
- agranulocytosis
- aplastic anemia
- hemolytic anemia
- neutropenia
- pancytopenia
- headache exacerbation (use >10 days/mo)
- hyperkalemia
Common Reactions
- dyspepsia
- nausea
- abdominal pain
- constipation
- headache
- dizziness
- drowsiness
- rash
- ALT or AST elevated
- fluid retention
- tinnitus
- ecchymosis
- photosensitivity
- delayed ovulation
Adverse Reactions to Acetaminophen
Serious Reactions
- hypersensitivity rxn
- anaphylaxis
- skin rxn, severe
- hepatotoxicity
- renal tubular necrosis, acute
- nephropathy, analgesic-assoc. (chronic use)
- anemia
- thrombocytopenia
Common Reactions
- nausea
- vomiting (IV use)
- headache
- insomnia (IV use)
- constipation (IV use, peds pts)
- pruritus (IV use, peds pts)
- agitation (IV use, peds pts)
- atelectasis (IV use, peds pts)
- rash
Understand, Big Pharma NEEDS YOU. Understand further! These are not healing anything! These OTC drugs may offer some alleviation of the current crisis, but this is NOT root cause healing. Zero advancement of your health metric is being promoted, and NEW risks are being introduced.
I’m not here to shame, but to EDUCATE. Please read and learn. Further, I have many alternatives to OTC medications that are not peddled by the engine of Big Pharma that not only work better, but cause no harmful side effects. These are so safe that children and even pets can take some of them! I’m here to serve YOU.
I can help you source all of these suggestions – just drop me an email or a text!
Here is what I recommend for your at-home medicine cabinet:
Evergreen Herbal ABX
Herbal ABX is a modern formula that has a broad spectrum of antibiotic effects. It can be used to treat respiratory tract infections, gastrointestinal infections, hepatic disorders, reproductive system infections, and other infectious diseases.
Evergreen Herbal ANG
Strongly unblocks stagnation and relieves pain. A herbal analgesic formula that relieves pain and reduces inflammation; may be used by itself or as an adjunct to another formula.
OmegAvail Hi-Po
I’ve previously suggested this omega 3 supplement whose benefits include healthy joint function, healthy immune function, cardiovascular health, healthy cognitive function and so much more. Need a refresher? Read more here. You can order these directly from my website here.
Blue Poppy Herbs Burn Ointment
Based on a highly efficacious formula designed and researched at the Ping-yi County Chinese Medical Hospital in Henan, this formula using Chinese medicinals commonly available in the West. I keep mine in the kitchen for minor burns.
Blue Poppy Clear Heat Ointment
Based on a highly efficacious formula designed and researched at the Ping-yi County Chinese Medical Hospital in Henan,1 Bob Flaws has modified this formula using Chinese medicinals commonly available in the West with which Western practitioners are familiar. This is great for stings and bites.
Biocidin TS
An easy-to-use throat spray that contains our broad-spectrum, proprietary blend of 17 herbs and essential oils. Convenient for taking with you on the go, Biocidin TS throat spray empowers you with a clinically proven way to promote a healthy immune response, giving your body the support it needs to do its best work.
Bluebird Botanicals CBD Gummies
Most CBD products are SNAKE OIL which contain little to no effective doses of CBD and other unsavory oils in them to stabilize the product (ie vegetable oils). The products made by Bluebird Botanicals – a Certified B Corporation – are certified organic and made from hemp (which contains virtually undetectable levels of THC, the cannabinoid that gets you “high”). CBD is ideal for treating pain and induce calming.
This does not constitute medical advice in any way, if you have questions about your personal health situation contact Dr. Ziya OR other licensed medical provider.
