SAN ANTONIO -- People spend a lot of money for over-the-counter
medications to battle aches and pains, but some may be using way too many and
that can be dangerous. There are more than 350 kinds of pain relievers and most
carry warnings, but not everyone follows it.
"People don't realize it's risky to take more than the recommended dose or to
use pain relievers for weeks at a time without consulting a doctor," Gayle
Williams of Consumer Reports said.
According to a Consumer Reports survey of its 47,000 subscribers, overuse can
lead to many health problems.
"Four percent, nearly 2000 people, suffered serious side effects including
ulcers or problems with the kidneys, heart or liver," Williams said.
Consumer Reports urges consumers to read the fine print the next time you take
over-the-counter pain medication.
Source : KSAT.com
