Understanding Canadian Nonprescription Drugs: A Consumer's Guide to Safe Use

John H. Gryfe is an oral and maxillofacial surgeon practicing in
Toronto.

Many of the tools for minor illness management are as close as the
neighborhood pharmacy. This practical guide will help readers in the
safe selection of those tools. However, the author warns that “[to]
self-medicate safely, [consumers] must use nonprescription medicines
only for the conditions for which they are intended.”

The book contains 19 chapters and is divided into two sections. Each
chapter deals with a common health concern and includes an explanation
of the illness and the specifics of appropriate treatment. The sections
are followed by a drug information index, which lists many of the
nonprescription medicines available in Canada, along with concerns and
warnings that might militate against their use.

Berube uses simple, uncluttered language to communicate a surprising
amount of practical information in an easy-to-follow format. In these
times of escalating health costs, this extremely useful guide addresses
minor health concerns safely and economically.