ABSTRACT
Adverse Drug Reaction Relief System is intended for people who suffer adverse health effects from drugs despite their proper use, including over-the-counter (OTC) drugs. The decision-making data for the payment of relief benefits associated with OTC drugs and the instructions-for-use provided by community pharmacists and registered retailers were investigated. The results showed that the relief benefit nonpayment rate for OTC drugs was 3.9% and the number of cases was 9, of which 5 were due to improper use. Among the OTC drugs covered by relief benefits, the most common were schedule II pharmaceuticals, which were sometimes used in combination with prescription drugs. These results suggest that pharmacists and registered retailers should check for the use of concomitant drugs (e.g., with drug notebooks) at the time of the OTC drug sale. Pharmacists and registered retailers should provide a detailed explanation of the drugs to consumers and confirm that the information is understood, especially when schedule II pharmaceuticals or psychotropic drugs are sold. Additionally, information on the initial symptoms of an adverse drug reaction and treatment should be provided to prevent serious reactions. Follow-up with consumers during OTC drug use may also reduce the risk of misuse.