< Back to Previous Page The Dangers of Certain Anti-Inflammatory Over the Counter Drugs RALEIGH - Latino shops called tiendas often provide a slice of home for Mexican immigrants living in the United States and offer diverse ethnic treats for American customers. But the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is working to persuade tienda owners to leave one traditional part of their businesses back home: prescription drugs. NCDA&CS has launched a Spanish-language awareness campaign to help tienda owners and their customers understand why it is illegal to sell some drugs over the counter, and why it is important to receive proper medical care before taking any type of prescription medicine. The awareness campaign focuses on two specific medications, Phenylbutazone and Metamizol, and two categories of medications: antibiotics and birth control. The campaign also aims to inform the Hispanic community that there are safe and legal medical options available. "In Mexico and other Central and South American countries, prescription drugs are often available over the counter," said Dan Ragan, drug administrator for the NCDA&CS Food and Drug Protection Division. "Some tienda owners have brought these medications to be sold over the counter in the United States, not realizing they are illegal and possibly dangerous to someone's health." Phenylbutazone and Metamizol, anti-inflammatory drugs used for pain relief and fever reduction, have been taken off the market in the United States because of adverse side effects. Phenylbutazone can cause aplastic anemia and hemorrhaging, and is approved for use only in animals. Metamizol is prohibited because it is linked to reduced white blood cell counts. Antibiotics, such as Tetraciclina, are available only by prescription in the United States because they can create serious problems when mixed with other medicines. They also reduce the effectiveness of birth control. There is also a concern about bacteria becoming resistant to antibiotics due to overuse. The campaign also hopes to increase awareness that taking birth control without proper medical oversight can lead to serious health problems.

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