Managing GI symptoms at home

When Pharmacy Practice + Business surveyed Canadian pharmacists to find out more about how you counsel and make recommendations about OTC products, we learned that gastrointestinal issues (GI) is one of the topics that most often comes up in questions from patients to their pharmacists.According to the 2023 Survey on OTC counselling & recommendations1, on average, pharmacists counsel patients about the use of laxatives 14 times a month, heartburn and nausea 11 times per month each and about probiotics 7 times per month. The range of products on pharmacy shelves to treat common GI issues is growing increasingly complex: From antacids and alginates to Proton Pump Inhibitors to H2 receptor antagonists. Which products are suitable for which patients? When is a laxative indicated, and which formulation is best tolerated by which patients? And are probiotics the answer to GI woes?You won’t want to miss Dr. John Damanios’ session, Managing Common GI Symptoms at Home, one of six OTC-focused sessions being presented September 21 as part of the OTC Spark virtual education day. Dr Damianos is a fellow in Gastroenterology and Hepatology at the Mayo Clinic, a world-reknowned researcher and expert in gastrointestinal health, and an engaging presenter.Here’s his description of his session: “[I] will review the over-the-counter management of common gastrointestinal symptoms such as heartburn, nausea, bloating, abdominal pain, and constipation. The evidence for pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic interventions will be discussed. Finally, consideration will be given to when to refer to Gastroenterology for further workup.” Watch this short video for more about John’s session:This and the other presentations in this one-day virtual conference are designed specifically to help pharmacists feel confident and knowledgeable to discuss, counsel and advise on the use of nonprescription products and self-management for common ailments as well as for general health and wellness.All sessions are CCCEP-accredited1 and based on topics pharmacists have requested.2 This event is an eCortex Live educational event created with the high standards you’ve come to expect from eCortex.Six OTC-related educational sessions in one dayAs well as John Damianos’ comprehensive look at how to manage GI issues, the other key topics to be covered are: • Managing fungal skin infections; • Navigating the wellness aisles with older adults; • Wound care and first-aid simplified; • Navigating OTC skincare, and • .The supplement saga: Finding clarity in a sea of natural health productsOTC Spark is just 4 weeks away! Learn more about the agenda and speakers, and register yourself at the eCortexLive sitePending CCCEP review and accreditation.Topics requested via evaluation surveys from OTC Spark 2023 and Pharmacy Practice + Business’ 2023 Survey on OTC Counselling & Recommendations

Managing GI symptoms at home

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