How to Take Over-the-Counter Drugs if You are Diabetic

Over-the-counter drugs are those you buy, well, over the counter. You will also see them referred to as OTCs. While OTCs are safe, it is always better to check with your doctor if you are diabetic before taking them. Your pharmacist will also help you if you are not sure about buying an OTC. A lot of things can affect the way medicine works in your body, including age, allergies, two or more drugs taken at the same time, other diseases--including diabetes--and smoking or alcohol use.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• A list of the medications you take
• A list of your allergies

1. Ask the pharmacists for the sugar-free products. OTCs are made with sugar. The sugar can raise your blood sugar, so sugar-free is better.

2. Alcohol affects people differently, but the effects of alcohol in your prescriptions or over-the-counter medications, if you are diabetic, tends to be stronger, particularly if you us insulin or pills for your diabetic treatment.

3. Consume caffeinated OTCs in moderation. Large amounts of caffeine found in OTCs can raise your blood sugar.

4. Take aspirin once a day in a low dose. It can have life-saving benefits under a doctor's care. However aspirin is not appropriate for everyone and if you are diabetic, you must always take it under a physician's care.

5. Check what's in the medicine. There are many choices for cough, cold, sore throat or stomach upset. Your pharmacist can give you good advice on choosing the one that will be safe and work best for you. Read the labels carefully.

6. Read the warnings. If it says, "individuals with high blood pressure, heart disease or diabetes should use only as directed by physician," talk to your doctor before taking it.

7. Check all products to see if they contain carbohydrates (sugar, less than 5 grams per dose).

8. Also realize that herbals, supplements or self-treatment items are available. However, many of them do list "do not use if you are diabetic," so look for this warning before using them.

Tips & Warnings

• Some creams and lotions can be helpful in your daily life. Like those used for arthritis and back pain. Also search these for the "do not use if you are diabetic" label.