What Does it Mean to be “OTC”?

“OTC” stands for “over the counter,” and it is a certification awarded by the FDA for drugs that are safe to use without a prescription. Most OTC certified drugs are designed to treat common ailments such as headaches, minor skin irritations, and allergies.

A major aspect of our healthcare system lies outside of the doctor’s office. Drug stores and grocery stores carry “OTC” supplements and drugs that consumers can purchase and use without a doctor’s supervision. Below we will discuss what it means to be “OTC” certified and why that should matter to you.

Does “OTC” mean FDA-approved?

The answer to this is yes and no. OTC means that the FDA has reviewed the literature and safety of the supplement or drug and has decided that it is safe enough to be used without a prescription. Here is how the FDA defines OTC:

“OTC (non-prescription) drug products play an increasingly vital role in America’s healthcare system. OTC drugs are defined as drugs that are safe and effective for use by the general public without seeking treatment by a health professional.”

This means that OTC drugs are not the same as prescription drugs in that they are approved by the FDA to treat certain diseases. But it does mean that they have been approved by the FDA for use by the general public.

How does a supplement qualify for OTC certification?

The process for OTC certification is complicated and requires a solid commitment by the supplement manufacturer. There are some basic characteristics that OTC drugs need to have before they will be considered by the FDA.

Here are a few of the common characteristics of OTC drugs:

• Low potential for misuse
• Has adequate labeling
• Stringent quality testing
• Benefits outweigh the risks
• Medical supervision unnecessary

Viobin Supplements are OTC certified

After a long, extensive process Viobin is pleased to announce our facilities are OTC certified, which allows us to make confident claims about our products efficacy and gives our customers even more assurances they’re getting exactly what they’re paying for. Now, in addition to third-party lab testing almost all of our products for purity, quality, and safety, we are able to put OTC drug labels on our products. This continues Viobin’s ongoing dedication to improving our offerings and helping our customers realize the most benefit from their purchase.

All OTC drug labels have detailed warning and usage information. You should use this labeling when deciding whether or not a drug or supplement is right for you. And you should follow the warnings. Just because a supplement is deemed OTC certified, doesn’t mean it can be used without risk.