Over-the-counter products Health Dictionary

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Over-the-counter Products: From 1 Different Sources

Herbal products are chiefly used to relieve symptoms of self- limiting conditions. Such products are either P (pharmacy only) or GSL (General Sales List). The Medicines (Labelling and Advertising to the Public) Regulations 1978 (SI 1978 No 41) state the range of conditions on schedule 2, parts I-IV. Dried herbs on sale under their plant or botanical name over the counter are exempt, provided no medicinal claims are made. 
Health Source: Bartrams Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine
Author: Health Encyclopedia

Counter Irritant

An agent which produces vaso-dilation of peripheral blood vessels by stimulating nerve-endings of the skin to generate irritation intended to relieve deep-seated pain. Arnica, Balm of Gilead, Black Mustard, Bryony (white), Cajuput (oil of), Camphor, Canada Balsam, Cayenne, Eucalyptus, Nutmeg (oil of), Sassafras, Thuja. ... counter irritant

Over-the-counter (otc)

A description applied in the UK to MEDICINES and drugs that can be obtained from a pharmacist without a doctor’s or dentist’s prescription. Some medications may be bought from retail outlets other than pharmacists.... over-the-counter (otc)

Labelling Of Herbal Products

The law requires labels to carry a full description of all ingredients. No label should bear the name of a specific disease or promote treatment for any serious disease or condition requiring consultation with a registered medical practitioner. Labels must not contravene The Medicines (Labelling and Advertising to the Public), SI 41, Regulations, 1978.

Misleading claims and the use of such words as “organic”, “wholesome”, “natural” or “biological” cannot be accepted on product labels. The Licensing Authority treats herbal manufacturers no differently than manufacturers of allopathic products for serious conditions.

The Advertising Standards Authority does not allow quotation of any medicinal claims, except where a Product Licence (PL) has been authorised by the Licensing Authority.

All labels must include: Name of product (as on Product Licence), description of pharmaceutical form (tablet, mixture etc), Product Licence No., Batch No., quantity of each active ingredient in each unit dose in metric terms; dose and directions for use; quantity in container (in metric terms); “Keep out of reach of children” or similar warning; Name and address of Product Licence Holder; expiry date (if applicable); and any other special warnings. Also to appear: excipients, method/route of administration, special storage instructions, and precautions for disposal, if any.

Where licences are granted, the following words should appear on the label of a product: “A herbal product traditionally used for the symptomatic relief of . . .”. “If symptoms persist see your doctor.” “Not to be used in pregnancy” (where applicable). “If you think you have . . . consult a registered medical practitioner before taking this product.” “If you are already receiving medical treatment, tell your doctor that you are taking this product.” These warnings are especially necessary should symptoms persist and be the start of something more serious than a self-limiting condition.

Herbal preparations should be labelled with the additives and colourings they contain, if any. This helps practitioners avoid prescribing medicines containing them to certain patients on whom they may have an adverse reaction.

Labels of medicinal products shall comply with the Medicines (Labelling) Regulations 1976 (SI 1976 No. 1726) as amended by the Medicines (Labelling) Amendment Regulations 1977 (SI 1977 No. 996), the Medicines (Labelling) Amendment Regulations 1981 (SI 1981 No. 1791) and the Medicines (Labelling) Amendment Regulations 1985 (SI 1985 No. 1558).

Leaflets issued with proprietory medicinal products shall comply with the requirements of the Medicines (Leaflets) Regulations 1977 (SI 1977 No. 1055).

See also: ADVERTISING: CODE OF PRACTICE. BRITISH HERBAL MEDICINE ASSOCIATION. ... labelling of herbal products

Labelling Of Herbal Products By A Practitioner

Labelling regulations require every dispensed product, i.e. a container of medicine, lotion, tablets, ointment, etc, to be labelled with the following particulars:–

1. Name of the patient.

2. Name and address of the herbal practitioner.

3. Directions for use of the remedy.

4. Liquid preparations for local or topical use to be clearly marked: For external use only.

Statutory Instruments: Medicine (Labelling) Regulations 1976 No. 1726. Medicines (Labelling) Regulations 1977 No. 996. ... labelling of herbal products by a practitioner

Blood Products

Donated blood that is separated into its various components: red cells, white cells, platelets, and plasma (see blood donation). Each blood product has a specific lifespan and use in blood transfusion. Packed red cells (blood with most of the plasma removed) are used to treat patients with some forms of chronic anaemia and babies with haemolytic disease of the newborn. Washed red cells (with white blood cells and/or plasma proteins removed) are used when a person needs repeated transfusions because there is less risk of an allergy to any of the blood components developing.

Platelets may be given in transfusions for people with blood-clotting disorders. Patients who have life-threatening infections may be treated with granulocytes, a type of white blood cell. Fresh frozen plasma is used to correct many types of bleeding disorder because it contains all the clotting factors. Albumin, prepared from the plasma of whole blood, is used mainly to treat shock resulting from severe blood loss until compatible whole blood becomes available. Purified albumin preparations are used to treat nephrotic syndrome and chronic liver disease.

Concentrates of blood clotting factors and are used in the treatment of haemophilia and Christmas disease.

Immunoglobulins (also called antibodies), which are extracted from blood plasma, can be given by injection (see immunoglobulin injection) to protect people who are unable to produce their own antibodies or have already been exposed to an infectious agent, or to provide short-term protection against hepatitis A.

Immunoglobulins are given in large doses to treat certain autoimmune disorders.... blood products

Over-the-counter

(OTC) drug A drug that can be bought without a prescription at a chemist’s or other store.... over-the-counter

Advanced Glycation End-products

damaged proteins that result from the *glycation of a large number of body proteins, which can accumulate and cause permanent damage to tissues. This damage is more prevalent in diabetics due to chronic exposure to blood with high concentrations of glucose. It is believed to be partly responsible for the damage to the kidneys, eyes, and blood vessels that characterizes long-standing diabetes.... advanced glycation end-products

Medicines And Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency

(MHRA) a UK government agency that regulates the use of medicinal drugs and medical devices. The agency regulates and issues *licences for the clinical trial, manufacture, and marketing of new products. It also applies the regulations governing the collection, storage, and use of human blood and blood products.

MHRA section of the website... medicines and healthcare products regulatory agency

Nhs Counter Fraud Authority

(NHSCFA) a *special health authority formed in 2017 to identify, investigate, and prevent fraud, bribery, and corruption within NHS organizations in England. These functions were formerly carried out by NHS Protect, part of the *NHS Business Services Authority.

NHS Counter Fraud Authority website... nhs counter fraud authority

Over-the-counter Drug

(OTC drug) a drug that may be purchased directly from a pharmacist without a doctor’s prescription. Current government policy is to extend the range of OTC drugs: a number have already been derestricted (e.g. ibuprofen, ranitidine) and this trend is increasing, which will place an additional advisory responsibility on pharmacists.... over-the-counter drug

Scintillation Counter

a device to measure and record the fluorescent flashes in a *scintillator exposed to high-energy radiation.... scintillation counter

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