Popular over-the-counter remedies like Fervex, Actifed, Calyptol, Oscillococcinum, Neo-Codion, Vicks VapoRub, Lysopaine, Strepsils, Gaviscon, Imodium, and Microlax are go-to options for flu, colds, coughs, sore throats, and digestive issues.
This is understandable, as they top sales charts for these common ailments.
A detailed investigation by the respected French consumer magazine 60 Millions de Consommateurs raises serious concerns.
Out of 61 best-selling OTC drugs reviewed, 28 are flagged as "to be avoided."
Only a handful proved both effective and safe. Here's what the experts found:
The study was spearheaded by Professor Jean-Paul Giroud, a clinical pharmacologist and author of books on medications and self-medication, and pharmacist Hélène Berthelot. They rigorously assessed the benefits versus health risks in self-medication scenarios.
Of the 61 drugs analyzed, 28 should be banned from self-medication because their risk-benefit ratio is unfavorable—potential harms outweigh any relief provided.
For the full list, see below.
Another 20 drugs are deemed "acceptable for lack of better alternatives." They offer minimal or no efficacy but pose little to no risk, per the experts.
Just 13 drugs emerged as truly worthwhile: effective against symptoms with a favorable benefit-risk profile and few side effects. Examples include Clarix dry cough, Humex adult dry cough, Vicks VapoRub, Imodiumcaps, Gaviscon mint, and Maalox without sugar.
Colds: Actifed colds day and night; Nurofen cold; Rhinadvil cold ibuprofen and pseudoephedrine; Active cold; Dolirhume paracetamol and pseudoephedrine; Humexlib paracetamol chlorphenamine.
Flu: Actifed flu-like states; Doli flu-like state; Fervex pheniramine adult without sugar.
Cough: Bronchokod fatty cough without sugar adults 5%; Exomuc wet cough orange; Fluimucil orange; Humex dry cough oxomemazine caramel; Mucomyst wet orange cough; Toplexil without sugar; Neo-Codion.
Sore Throat: Colludol; Drill rose honey; Tetracaine Drill; Hexaspray; Humex sore throat; Maxilas sore throat; Strepsils lidocaine; Tern without orange sugar.
Diarrhea: Ercefuryl.
Constipation: Conthalax; Fuca sugared almonds; Pursennid.
The review from 60 Millions de Consommateurs highlights risks in many OTC drugs—from cough sprays and sore throat lozenges to cold, flu, constipation, and diarrhea treatments.
Digestive aids for stomach pain, however, generally appear harmless.
"These are not ordinary consumer products," the journalists note. "They carry significant contraindications and side effects disproportionate to treating minor, temporary issues—especially those with ineffective ingredients or risky combinations like paracetamol with pseudoephedrine and triprolidine, which heighten cardiovascular and neurological risks."
Thankfully, proven natural remedies offer effective relief for flu, colds, coughs, and more—without pharmacy risks. These simple home treatments work quickly:
Colds: 12 Particularly Effective Natural Remedies For The Common Cold.
Flu: An Incredible Grandma's Remedy For The Flu.
Cough: 9 Incredible Grandma's Cough Remedies.
Sore Throat: The 16 Best Natural Remedies For Sore Throat.
Diarrhea: Grandma's Trick to Stop Diarrhea.
Constipation: The 11 Natural Remedies To Know For Constipation.
Opt for these to save money and protect your health.
