Effects of Nonprescription Medicines

Nonprescription medicines are those you can buy over the counter, without a prescription from your health care provider. Check with your pharmacist before you buy any over-the-counter product.

A lot of things can affect the way medicine works in your body:

  • Allergies to specific medications.
  • Two or more medicines taken at the same time (this is called a drug interaction).
  • Other diseases or conditions.
  • Smoking or alcohol use.

How Do Nonprescription Medicines Affect My Blood Glucose?

Alcohol

Some nonprescription medicines contain alcohol. Different people react differently to alcohol. These products should be used with caution.

Sugar

Many over-the-counter products are made with sugar. The sugar can raise your blood glucose, so sugar-free is better. Sometimes you have to ask the pharmacist for the sugar-free products.

When you take nonprescription medicines, it is a good idea to check your blood glucose to see if there is a change in your blood glucose level. Remember that just being sick can cause a rise in blood glucose, so testing more often when you're sick is a good idea. Drink plenty of water and follow your sick-day plan.

How Do I Choose Nonprescription Medicines, Herbals, Supplements or Self-treatment Items?

There are many choices for cough, cold, sore throat or stomach upset. You can find them listed on this site under choosing nonprescription medicines. The pharmacist can give you good advice on choosing the one that will be safe and work best for you. Here are some tips:

  • Read the label and package insert carefully.
  • Check what is in the medicine.
  • 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. If the product has a warning label that reads "Not to be used by people with diabetes," follow the warning.
  • It is best to use products that contain very little sugar (less than five grams per dose).
  • Choose products that have little or no alcohol in them.
  • Use a tablet or capsule instead of a liquid. These choices usually do not have sugar or alcohol in them.
  • Be sure your health care team knows what medicine you are taking, and which products you are using.
  • Use one pharmacy.
  • Know the names of all your medicines, their doses and when you should be taking them.
  • Learn about possible side effects.
  • Check your blood glucose often.
  • Talk about any concerns with your health care team.