“Warning Proposed for Non-Prescription Drugs”

This lecture introduces students to an important public health topic: the safe use of over-the-counter (OTC) medications. Through the analysis of a real informational text, students explore why the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has proposed stronger warning labels on widely used non-prescription drugs such as acetaminophen, aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, and Ketoprofen. The lecture explains the potential dangers of misuse and overuse of common painkillers, highlighting risks such as acute liver failure, gastrointestinal bleeding, and accidental overdose due to combining multiple products containing the same active ingredient. Students learn how certain populations such as older adults, people with ulcers, those taking blood-thinners, or individuals who consume alcohol are particularly at risk. In addition to reading comprehension, the lecture reinforces key medical vocabulary related to pharmacology (e.g., prescription, OTC, adverse effects, NSAIDs, blood thinners), and helps students develop both medical English proficiency and critical awareness about drug safety.