One of four over-the-counter drugs, according to the Foundation’s test were not recommended, including known means, and many of the combination supplements with several ingredients. “Just because a drug is approved in Germany, it must not be advisable,” said Gerd Glaeske, a pharmacist at Stiftung Warentest. He warned of side effects after prolonged use, which are not always recognized as such.
An independent panel of medical experts, pharmaceutical core and pharmacologists evaluated for Stiftung Warentest tests to Thousands of drugs, including trials that had not made the manufacturers themselves. The experts paid attention not only on effectiveness but also on the long-term consequences and whether the agent has a high Benefit for the patient.
“A Little Suitable”
The result: A quarter of 2000 examined over-the-counter drugs got the worst rating of “not suitable”, for example, because of their therapeutic efficacy is not sufficiently demonstrated, or compared to the side effects low. This is according to Stiftung Warentest in the case of some agents against gastro-intestinal ailments such as discharge capsules with castor oil or Kräuterlax with Aloe for constipation the case.
The Stiftung Warentest advises against the use of combination products with multiple ingredients. Well-known examples are pain and cold remedies like Vicks MediNait, Aspirin Complex, Grippostad C, Dolo-Internet suppliers or Thomapyrin. Often, the active ingredients were not complementary sense, in addition, the risk of side effects when multiple content platforms fuels. In addition, some products contain caffeine or alcohol could lead to addiction, increased consumption or increased side effects.
Especially the combination of caffeine and painkillers a rating of Stiftung Warentest, a critical. This is, for example, in the case of the means of the double-slit Compact or Vivimed used. Because caffeine interactive, invigorating, increases the risk of the capture medium-to long and to often.
In addition, Combi-medium with a known name, be expensive. It is often better and cheaper, individual active ingredients separately to take. Against pain and fever about a rich in active substances alone, such as Ibuprofen, acetylsalicylic acid or Paracetamol. In the case of rhinitis, the use of decongestant nasal sprays or drops friendly was.
Stiftung Warentest offers a paid database, via the consumer Alternatives to medicines can be found, which were classified as “less suitable”.
