by Mila McManus, MD

Over-the-counter medicines, especially the lower-cost store brands, often contain dangerous ingredients. Most consumers recognize that the active ingredients are the same at a lower price point but may be unaware that carcinogens and other dangerous ingredients lurk within the inactive ingredients.

MSN recently highlighted a Bloomberg analysis of government data revealing that the government is aware that some store-brand medicines contain benzene, a potent carcinogen.  Several dozen store-brand drugs have been identified, including generic/store-brand extended-release mucus relief (name-brand Mucinex); the Walgreens version of Anbesol, an oral pain reliever; Walmart’s Equate brand face moisturizer with sunscreen; and Rite Aid’s version of Bengay muscle rub.

Cheap for a Reason

Generic drugs, from eye drops to cancer treatments, are linked to factories using unsafe practices and dangerous ingredients, often to cut costs. However, it’s important to note that the retailer whose name is on the package (e.g. Walmart, Walgreens, CVS, Kroger) is not responsible for the quality of the products it sells.  The oversight and liability lie with the manufacturer.  US regulators have allowed drugmakers to use benzene even though international authorities ban it elsewhere.

Drugmakers resist FDA regulation changes because of the dramatic cost and time involved in making an ingredient change. Cleaner and safer ingredients, additional testing, and another round of FDA approval make ingredient swapping expensive, which means a higher sticker price. Moreover, it is important to not put your full faith behind FDA regulations for protection against dangerous ingredients in any packaged product!

Simple Solutions

We see many patients who rely on over-the-counter store-brand products for insomnia, reflux, and allergies.  As we find with supplements, it is necessary to screen selections carefully and make the better choices.  Here are some simple steps you can take to protect yourself from dangerous ingredients:

• Take advantage of our team at The Woodlands Institute for Health and Wellness, your resource for safe and effective supplements and over-the-counter solutions.
• Rather than medicating your sleep, digestive, or allergy issues, let us help you find and address the root causes.  
• If you must purchase an over-the-counter medication, try sticking with name brands while you seek solutions for addresssing root causes.

Be careful out there. Be well.

Reference: MSN.com. Bloomberg: Cancer-Causing Benzene Is Used to Make Store-Brand Cold Relief Medicine. August 12, 2023.