Six essential OTC items to keep in your medicine cabinet

Not every sniffle or stomachache requires a trip to the doctor. With a few key over-the-counter (OTC) items, you can manage many minor issues on your own. Stock up now so you’reprepared when symptoms strike.  

Before taking any OTC medication, ask your doctor or pharmacist if it’s safe for you — especially if you have chronic health conditions or are taking prescription drugs. Always follow package instructions and recommended dosing.  

1. Bismuth subsalicylate  

The main ingredient in items like Pepto-Bismol helps relieve heartburn, nausea, diarrhea, and indigestion.  

2. Hydrocortisone cream 

Reduces itch and inflammation from bug bites, poison ivy, and minor rashes. 

Tip: Avoid using on open wounds, and call your doctor if symptoms don’t improve within a week. 

3. Pain reliever & fever reducer 

These target everyday aches and pains and help bring down fevers: 

• Acetaminophen  
• Ibuprofen (a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, or NSAID) healing ointment  
• Aspirin (also an NSAID)  

Tips: NSAIDs support inflammation relief, so they may work better for joint or injury pain. Aspirin may also be used for heart health — but only if your doctor recommends it. You likely don’tneed all three on hand. 

Dr. Ramos says: Check expiration dates on your medicines and supplements. If it’s out of date, it should be out of your home. 

4. Antibiotic ointment 

Use on minor scrapes, cuts, or burns to prevent infection and support healing. 

Tip: Seek medical care for deep wounds, animal bites, or serious burns. 

5. Benadryl 

An antihistamine that helps relieve allergy symptoms like sneezing, itching, or hives. 

Tip: It can cause drowsiness — avoid driving after taking it. 

6. Combination cold medication 

Relieves multiple symptoms such as cough, congestion, and sore throat. 

Tip: Check the “active ingredients” label to avoid doubling up on medications you already take.  

Keeping these items on hand means you can handle life’s little health hiccups — and feel better faster. 

When your OTC item requires a prescription  

Some OTC products require a prescription from your doctor to be purchased through your plan. These “dual-purpose” products¹ can be used for either a medical condition or general health and well-being.  

To purchase dual-purpose items with your OTC benefit, your physician must recommend them for a specific diagnosed condition. Common dual-purpose products include:  

• Vitamins and minerals  
• Home monitoring and testing items  
• Weight loss products  

Speak to your physician before ordering these items to ensure coverage. 

Independence Blue Cross offers PPO, HMO-POS, and HMO Medicare Advantage plans with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in Independence Blue Cross PPO, HMO-POS, and HMO Medicare Advantage plans depends on contract renewal. 

1. Dual-purpose items are medicines and products that can be used for either a medical condition or for general health and well-being. In order to purchase these items under your plan, your personal physician must recommend them to you for a specific diagnosed condition. Please speak to your physician before ordering these items. Items include, but are not limited to, vitamins and minerals, home monitoring and testing, and weight loss items. 

2. The IBX Care Card OTC allowance is provided quarterly (every three months) and does not carry forward to the next quarter if it is not used. You must use your IBX Care Card to purchase OTC items at a participating retailer. OTC items purchased from non-participating retailers will not be covered. OTC Network®, OTC Network® app, and Convey Health Solutions are provided by InComm Payments™, an independent company. 

Website last update 01/26/2026 

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