OTC Medicine Mistakes

Dr. Joel Kahn, MD is a cardiologist and best-selling author, America's Healthy Heart Doc

Dr. Kahn, is a clinical professor of medicine at Wayne State University School of Medicine and an associate professor at Oakland University/Beaumont Hospital medical schools. He graduated summa cum laude from the University of Michigan Medical School and trained in interventional cardiology in Dallas and Kansas City. Known as "America's Healthy Heart Doc," Kahn is a diplomate of the American Board of Internal Medicine and maintains sub-specialty board certification in cardiovascular medicine. He's author of multiple No. 1 best-selling books including, "Whole Heart Solution," "Dead Execs Don't Get Bonuses," and his most recent, "The Plant-Based Solution." Kahn is a regular medical expert on major national shows including, "Dr. Phil," "The Doctors," "Dr. Oz," and "Larry King." He is owner of three health restaurants in Detroit and Austin, Texas. Visit: www.drjoelkahn.com on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/drjoelkahn or follow @drjkahn

Medication Mistakes people make with (OTC) over the counter medication

Most OTC medicines contain only 10 percent of the active ingredients needed for your ailment with the other nearly 90 percent of inactive ingredients (being used as binders and fillers).

Parabens: mimic natural hormone estrogen  and Dyes: aka artificial colors, have been linked with attention deficit disorder (ADD), and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), increase in allergic reactions and autoimmune disorders.

Phthalates: can damage the liver, kidneys, lungs and reproductive system — 

Talc: aka magnesium silicate, has been linked to stomach and lung problems. The FDA has not approved talc for food grade consumption, but they still allow it to make tablets.

Some of the questions I ask Dr. Kahn:

•  What can make on OTC medicine a hazard?
•  If a med expired 6 month prior to someone taking it, how dangerous is it
• Are antacids toxic? 
• What are three common OTC meds you see patients making mistakes with this time of year?     
• What's the difference between an active and inactive ingredient? What's in an antacid that could be toxic? Is there a cleaner version of this OTC? 

• For multi-symptom cold and flu meds: Who needs it? How is it misused? What's the proper dosing? What are 
potential dangers from overmedicating with acetaminophen? 

• At what point should you go see your doctor if the OTC medication is not helping?