Survey Shows Parents Still Using Pediatric Over-the-Counter

Cough/Cold Medications Even When They Know about the

Possible Dangers
SAN CLEMENTE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--A new survey conducted in March 2009 by Harris
Interactive and commissioned by Bionorica shows that while 90% of parents claim to be at least
somewhat knowledgeable about the level of effectiveness and the possible dangers associated with
over-the-counter (OTC) cough and cold products for children, 62% still give these products to
children when they are experiencing cough and cold symptoms. Additionally, 16% of the general
public had never heard about the possible dangers of current OTC cough and cold products for
children.
"It's very concerning to me that so many parents are still giving their children these OTC cough and
cold products with the possible associated dangers and the question of their effectiveness in
children," said Marcela Dominguez, MD, certified family medicine physician on staff at Mission
Hospital Regional Medical Center and in private practice in South Orange County.
The new survey also shows that 84% of the general public says they are at least somewhat
knowledgeable about where to find credible information about OTCs. The media and the Internet
were cited by a majority (70%) as a source of information about the possible dangers of these
products with 73% of parents receiving information about this through the same channels. Less than
half of parents (41%) say they have heard about the possible dangers of OTC cough and cold
medications from a doctor and almost as many have heard this from family members or friends
(39%).
Additionally, 60% of adults said they would be more likely to use a natural remedy if it was
recommended by a doctor but the survey shows that 83% had never discussed natural remedies with
their doctor and only 27% had even discussed the potential for dangerous drug interactions with
their physicians.
"While the news media can be a good source of information for the public, information on the
Internet is not always reliable nor should it replace the patient/physician dialogue," said Narinder
Duggal, MD, internist, pharmacologist, and clinical associate professor, school of pharmacy,
University of Washington. "It's alarming to me that so few people talk to their doctors about the
effectiveness and dangers of health products before they take them or give them to their children."
Just last fall the National Institutes of Health's National Center for Complementary and Alternative
Medicine released survey results that found 38% of adults and 12% of children were using
complementary and alternative medicines. This new survey shows that the desire to use these
remedies is high and that the public might be using natural remedies more if the products had
credible information (a proven track record and clinical testing) to support their claims.
When discussing natural options, three-quarters (76%) of adults said they would be interested in
taking natural remedies, with roughly the same number (74%) wishing there were more natural
remedy alternatives to prescription and OTC drugs. Additionally, 73% of parents agree they'd be
interested in having their children take natural remedies while only 23% are currently giving
children natural remedies when they experience cough and cold symptoms. Among the top reasons
that would make someone more likely to take natural remedies are one or more of the following: 1) a
proven track record (65%); 2) no harmful side effects (63%); and 3) clinical testing (60%).
"Consumers need to know which natural products have scientific research showing they are safe and
effective for adults and children," said Dr. Duggal. "It's important for people to be sure that they are
relying on products that have strong clinical science behind them so they don't waste money on
products that have not been shown to be effective."
According to recent industry reports, sales remain strong for vitamins and supplements even in
today's economy, due to a desire for natural products and the cost of prescription medications. The
new survey findings support this trend, showing 68% of adults, including 65% of adults making
$35,000 or less per year, would be willing to pay a few dollars more for a natural remedy if there
was scientific proof that it worked.
"Bionorica is one of the first phytopharmaceutical companies that tested herbal medicines in
controlled double-blind studies. We understand the need for scientific evidence to support health
care products," said Bionorica Germany CEO and pharmacist, Professor Michael A. Popp. "The
company prides itself on delivering natural products that have been quality-controlled from the seed
to the bottle." He continued, "Bionorica is pleased to bring Sinupret, the natural remedy for sinus,
respiratory and immune support to the US for adults and children. We look forward to bringing
other research-based natural remedies to the US this year."
Abbreviated methodology:
This survey was conducted online within the United States by Harris Interactive on behalf of
Bionorica from March 6 to March 10, 2009 among 2,315 adults ages 18 and older, of whom 633 are
parents or legal guardians of a child/children ages 17 or younger that lives in their household. This
online survey is not based on a probability sample and therefore no estimate of theoretical sampling
error can be calculated. For complete survey methodology, including weighting variables, please
contact maureen@grow-marketing.com.
Bionorica
Bionorica is one of the world's leading makers of clinically proven health products and has the
highest sales of naturally based remedies in Germany. Established more than 75 years ago,
Bionorica developed a unique principle, "phytolution," identifying and researching the best in nature
and using the most innovative technology to create effective and safe remedies. The company
recently introduced Sinupret for Kids to the US, which has been used in Europe for over 30 years
for nasal, sinus and respiratory support. From April 2007 - April 2008, over 7.5 million units of
Sinupret were purchased in Germany alone, with over a half a million units purchased for kids under
12. Sinupret is now sold in over 25,000 US retail locations. Sinupret is registered in over 35
countries as a phytopharmaceutical product. The company's other clinically-tested health products
include Bronchipret for lower respiratory support, Cyclopret and Menopret for women's
health and Flexipret(TM) for minor joint and back pain.
For more information visit www.bionoricausa.com.
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-the-Counter-CoughCold-Medications