Mistaken Identity: Some OTCs Look Alike but Are Very Different

Demelash Alambo, Pharm.D. Candidate 2011

Consumer Health Information Corporation

University of Charleston School of Pharmacy   

Be careful when you are in the drug store and choosing a product because it has a familiar name or packaging. It may be slightly different. Brand name confusion can happen when two different drugs have names that look or sound alike. 

Many Americans turn to over-the-counter (OTC) medicines to self-treat their common health problems. However, sometimes these products can be harmful. This can happen because patients might purchase what they consider a familiar over-the-counter product and end up taking something completely different. 

They Look the Same but the Drug is Different  

“Maalox Total Relief and Maalox have similar packaging, but are not interchangeable” 

Five patients reported a serious medical problem including bleeding and dark stool when they used Maalox Total Relief, the upset stomach reliever and anti-diarrheal medicine, by mistake. The patients intended to buy the traditional Maalox antacid products, such as Maalox Advanced Maximum Strength and Maalox Advanced Regular Strength. Instead, They bought Maalox Total Relief. This product contains bismuth subsalicylate which can make stomach ulcers or bleeding problems worse in patients with heartburn. 

What Causes the Confusion? 

Names and packages look alike  

Brand name confusion happens because two different drugs have names that looks or sounds very similar. It would be easy to buy the wrong product if the medicine looks or sounds very similar.

For example:

Same brand name but different ingredients

Many drug companies change the ingredients of a medicine while using the same brand name. Thus, the unwary consumer may think that they have the old familiar product when they do not. For example: 

• Sudafed products  for sinus congestion

   

To avoid confusion in the future, the makers of Sudafed state “you will start noticing some of newly redesigned packages in stores, with more appearing on the shelves in coming months.”   

Things to Check When Choosing an OTC 

• Always check the purpose of the medication 

You should not buy an OTC medicine just by looking at the brand name. Read the
label for “Purpose”.  Some OTC products may have the same name but may not treat
your problem. For example:

• Check the ingredients

You should check the “Active” and “Inactive ingredients” on the label. You may be allergic to them or they may not be appropriate for you. For example:

• Make sure the medication is right for your condition

Check the label for “Use”. Some drugs, even if they treat the same condition,    
may not be the appropriate medicine for you. For example:

• Ask a pharmacist for help

The pharmacist can help you choose a medicine and tell you the correct drug to take.

 

• Tell your doctor what over-the-counter medicines you are taking

This will help the health care provider to identify if the medication you are taking is right for your medical condition or other medication you are taking.

• If in doubt, ask, ask, and ask

Be on the lookout for possible problems, such as if your pills look different than normal or if you notice a different drug name or different directions. Don’t hesitate to ask.  If you forget or are unsure about anything, don't hesitate to call your doctor or pharmacist when you get home. Because it can’t hurt to ask.  

• Don’t hesitate to report medication errors

If you purchase a wrong product because it looks like the one you wanted and causes any medical problem, let the FDA know. To report product problems, call the FDA MEDWATCH program at 1-800-FDA-1088 and online at www.fda.gov/medwatch  

 

Read the Label Very Carefully

To avoid mistakes in choosing OTCs you should  always check what the medicine is used for and how it looks.  Always read carefully for “Use”, “Purpose,”  “Ingredient”, and “Warning” on the label before purchasing OTC products.

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