Media University of Babylon - Faculty of Medicine

College of Medicine at the University of Babylon Holds a Seminar on the Impact of Over-the-Counter Medications
Under the patronage of the President of the University of Babylon, Prof. Dr. Ameen Ajeel Al-Yasiri, and the supervision of the Dean of the College of Medicine, Prof. Dr. Muhannad Abbas Al-Shallal, and as part of the continuous education activities and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) — Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and Goal 4 (Quality Education) — the Department of Pharmacology organized an awareness seminar on the impact of over-the-counter (OTC) medications.
The first lecture was delivered by Lecturer Dr. Rusul Ali Kazem titled “The Impact of Over-the-Counter Medications on Elderly Patients.” She discussed how the body processes drugs, their effects, and the impact of polypharmacy in the elderly. The lecture focused on commonly dispensed medications for typical conditions such as joint pain, acid reflux, and insomnia. It also highlighted the side effects of OTC drugs used in these conditions and emphasized the importance of considering alternatives to reduce adverse effects.
The second lecture was presented by Lecturer Dr. Zahraa Salim Munji, titled “The Impact of Oral Contraceptives on Migraine (Migraine Headaches).” She concluded that oral contraceptives can influence the frequency and severity of migraine attacks, especially in women who suffer from migraine with aura. The response to oral contraceptives varies; some women experience improvement in symptoms, while others may worsen.
It was noted that women with migraine with aura are at a higher risk of stroke when using hormonal contraceptives, particularly those containing estrogen.
Key recommendations from the lecture include:
• Women with migraines should consult a physician before using oral contraceptives.
• Low-dose or non-hormonal contraceptive options may be more suitable.
• Women with migraine with aura should avoid estrogen-containing pills and consider safer alternatives under medical supervision

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Media University of Babylon - Faculty of Medicine
Media University of Babylon - Faculty of Medicine