Survey shows OTC pain relievers remain ‘common, valuable’

LAS VEGAS — Results from a nationally representative survey of U.S. adults indicated strong use of various self-care options, with over-the-counter pain relievers the most common, according to a poster presented at PAINWeek 2022.

The COVID-19 pandemic directly affected access to health care, resulting in individuals taking on more responsibility for self-care, poster co-author Jonathan Johnson, MA, research manager at APCO Worldwide, told Healio.

APCO surveyed 2,499 people to determine what role OTC pain relievers play in a pandemic landscape, he said.

Between Jan. 26 and Feb. 9, 2022, APCO and YouGov conducted a 20-minute online survey, according to the poster. About half of the participants were male, half were younger than age 50 years and one-fourth were older than 65 years. The majority were white (64%), 12% were Black/African American and 15% were Hispanic/Latino. About half reported living in the suburbs, while the rest were about evenly split between urban and rural areas.

According to the poster, oversampling was implemented for Black individuals and low-income households to ensure a large enough sample size for statistical analysis.

The survey showed that 51% of respondents reported using OTC medications, 60% used prescription medications and 68% used daily vitamins or nutritional supplements during the previous week. A majority reported they had pain relievers in their homes (85%), cold/cough agents (75%), allergy relief (61%), antibiotic ointment (58%) and antacids (56%). Acetaminophen and ibuprofen were the most common pain relievers in the home (76% and 77%, respectively), and they were most often preferred for common ailments except for cold and flu.

Acetaminophen was preferred for fever, while ibuprofen was preferred for aches and pains, back pain and arthritis pain.

Many of the survey questions asked specifically about acetaminophen, and respondents indicated that the drug is an important OTC option. They also noted it has preferred dosing options; is effective, accessible and safe; helps people manage pain so they can participate in regular activities; and relieves common ailments.

“Acetaminophen was used frequently,” Johnson said. “Subjects valued its efficacy, safety and lack of addiction. Those with chronic pain management particularly value acetaminophen.

“The survey found that OCT pain relievers remain common and valuable.”