In late 2001, the National Council on Patient Information and Educational commissioned Harris Interactive to conduct a survey with American consumers and health professionals about the use of over-the-counter medicines. Released in January 2002 at the "Be MedWise" campaign launch, the findings, A Dose of Reality, offer a fascinating look into how healthcare providers and consumers regard the benefits, concerns and opportunities that OTC medicines offer in America today.

Coinciding with the introduction of the Be MedWise "prescription" for taking OTC medicines issued by U.S. Surgeon General Richard Carmona in September 2003, NCPIE commissioned Harris Interactive to conduct a follow-up survey that charts where progress is being made and where continued emphasis on consumer education about OTC medicines can prove beneficial. This poll of 1,009 adult Americans provides an updated look at consumer use of OTC labels as well as potential problem areas regarding OTC medicine use.

To learn more, click on the links below.

	2003 National Opinion Survey Conducted for The National Council on Patient Information and Education - September 2003 >> Survey Findings
	A Dose of Reality: Executive Summary - January 2002 >> Survey Results
	A Dose of Reality: A National Survey of American Consumers and Health Professionals - January 2002 >> Survey Results

Note: These reports are in PDF (portable document format). PDF files require Adobe Acrobat Reader. Click here to download this free program.