Cold/flu OTCs reduce health care costs

Drug Store News, Nov 8, 2004

CHICAGO -- A study conducted by Northwestern University released last month found that over-the-counter remedies treating colds and the flu represent a substantial savings to overall health care costs associated with common upper respiratory infections: as much as $4.8 billion per year, the study found.

The majority of savings were realized from improved work productivity and a reduction in doctor's visits, as well as a decrease in the number of prescription drugs dispensed.

Many factors involved in the treatment of common upper respiratory infections contribute to a major economic burden," said Dr. Martin Lipsky, the study's lead investigator and a family medicine professor at Northwestern's Feinberg School of Medicine. "This study suggests that when adults use OTC medications ... there appears to be a substantial cost savings to the health care system and the economy.

The Consumer Healthcare Products Association sponsored the study.