Best Over-the-Counter Meds for Your Condition

If you have a chronic condition, you probably already take a prescription. But there are plenty of over-the-counter (OTC) medications and supplies that you can find at your local pharmacy. Here are a few to try.

High Blood Pressure

Use a home blood pressure (BP) monitor to take a reading of your BP levels, ideally at the same time each day.

A blood pressure journal can help your doctor ensure that your treatments to lower high blood pressure are working, by providing a “time-lapse” of readings over time.

Type 2 Diabetes

To check your blood sugar levels, insert a test strip into a glucose monitor and use a lancet to get a drop of blood. Hold the test strip to the blood to learn the result.

Wearing cotton diabetic socks may help ward off foot injuries that could lead to a serious infection.

Urinary Incontinence

Absorbent pads and liners can be worn inside your underwear to absorb leaks.

For more protection, use protective underwear, which is made with a cloth-like material that absorbs leaks and odors.

Cleansing wipes are less harsh on your skin than toilet paper; plus, they help keep your skin healthy by locking in moisture.

Arthritis

Using paraffin wax can loosen up your hand and finger joints.

Arthritis gloves can boost the circulation in your hands, easing joint pain and stiffness.

OTC pain meds like ibuprofen reduce inflammation from arthritis.

High cholesterol

Psyllium fiber supplements might help lower your total and LDL cholesterol levels.

Osteoporosis

Ask your doctor if you should take vitamin D supplements, which help your body absorb calcium, a bone-strengthener at any age.

Ward off a possible fall by using a cane. Or, carry a small bag of rock salt during the winter to counter slippery sidewalks and driveways.

Doing muscle-strengthening exercises with hand weights can help keep your bones strong.

*Talk to your doctor before starting any medication.