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Over-the-Counter Drugs

Many non-prescription, over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, medicines and medical care items are considered eligible for reimbursement under health care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA). OTC drugs and items generally fall into one of the following three categories:

1. Those eligible for reimbursement because they are used primarily for medical care.

2. Those ineligible for reimbursement because they are merely beneficial for general health.

3. Those eligible for reimbursement with a letter from the attending physician. The letter must cite the specific medical condition being treated and indicate that the OTC drug or medication will treat or alleviate it.

Please note that the following are representative lists. They do not include all available OTC drugs and medical care items, and the lists are subject to change.

If you have questions call ADP Benefit Services FlexDirect Customer Service at 1-800-550-0720.

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Eligible for Reimbursement*


*OTC drugs and medical care items are not covered under all plans. This list provides examples of drugs and items; however, it is subject to change. For more information, consult your benefit plan or contact Customer Service.
Product Type Examples include, but are not limited to:
Acne Medications - pill, liquid, cream, ointment, medicated soaps and cleansing pads Clean & Clear, Clearasil, Loma Lux Acne, Nature's Cure
Allergy Medicines - pill, liquid, nasal spray (see also Eye Drops) Benadryl, Chlor-Trimeton, Claritin, Drixoral, NasalCrom, Tavist Allergy
Antacids (anti-gas, lactose intolerance) - liquids, pills, tablets Alka-Seltzer, Beano, Gas-X, Lactaid, Maalox, Mylanta, Pepcid, Pepto-Bismol, Phazyme, Rolaids, Tums
Antibiotic creams/ointments Bacitracin, Neosporin, Polysporin
Antidiarrheal - liquids, pills Imodium, Kaopectate, Pepto-Bismol
Anti-Fungal Creams & Powders Aftate, Cruex, Lamisil, Lotrimin, Micatin, Tinactin
Anti-Itch Creams (allergy and poison ivy) Benadryl, Cortaid, Ivarest, Lanacort
Baby Care Products Diaper rash cream/ointment, rehydration liquids (Pedialyte, PediaSure), teething gel
Braces and supports Braces and supports for neck, wrist, ankle, elbow, knee, etc.; support stockings
Canker and Cold Sore Remedies Abreva, Anbesol, Cankaid, Carmex, Kank-A
Cold Medicines Cough & sore throat lozenges/drops, cough syrup, decongestants, homeopathic cold medicines, nasal sprays, TheraFlu, Tylenol Cold, vapor rubs
Contraceptives/Family Planning Condoms, contraceptive creams, pregnancy tests, ovulation predictor kits
Diabetic Supplies/Equipment Alcohol swabs; blood glucose control solutions, monitors, strips and products; lancets and lancet devices, urine testing products
Ear Drops (ear wax removal) Auro Ear Drops, Debrox Ear Drops, Murine Ear Drops
Eye Care Products Saline and cleaning solutions, eyeglasses, contact lenses
Eye Drops/ Eye Wash Products Eye wash products to clean out eye or remove foreign objects, Murine, Visine
Feminine Yeast Infection Medicine Gyne-Lotrimin, Monistat
First Aid Bandages, dressings, first aid kits, peroxide, rubbing alcohol
Hemorrhoidal Preparations Preparation H, Tucks
Home Diagnostic Tests or Kits Cholesterol, colorectal, drug, HIV, ovulation predictor, pregnancy and urine tests; thermometers (ear or standard)
Hot/Cold Packs ThermaCare
Laxatives (laxatives and fiber therapy) Citrucel, Dulcolax, Ex-Lax, FiberCon, Fleet, Metamucil, Milk of Magnesia, Peri-Colace
Lice Treatments LiceFree, Nix, Pronto, Rid
Motion Sickness Medicine Bonine, Dramamine, motion sickness wristbands
Pain Relievers Acetaminophen, Advil, Aleve, Anbesol, Aspercreme, aspirin, Ben-Gay, homeopathic pain relievers, ibuprofen, Icy Hot, Midol, Mineral Ice, Motrin, naproxen sodium, pain relieving gels, Tylenol
Pain Relievers - Urinary Tract Cystex, Uristat
Smoking Cessation Medicine (patches and gum) Nicoderm, Nicorette, Nicotrol, Novartis
Wart or Corn Removers (liquid or pads) Compound W, Curad, Dr. Scholl's Corn Remover, Wart-Off

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Not Eligible for Reimbursement*


*OTC drugs and medical care items are not covered under all plans. This list provides examples of drugs and items; however, it is subject to change. For more information, consult your benefit plan or contact Customer Service.
Product Type Examples include, but are not limited to:
Bath Products, Cleansers, Soap Aveeno, Dial, Dove, Softsoap
Creams, Lip Balm, Lipstick, Lotions, Moisturizers Basis, Biore, Eucerin, L'Oreal, Neutrogena, Nivea, Noxzema, Oil of Olay, PHisoderm
Dental - Miscellaneous Breath fresheners; dental floss, adhesives, cleansers, gel, gum, rinses; oral cleaning systems (Water Pik); tongue scrapers; whitening products/systems; toothbrushes; toothpaste
Deodorants/Anti-Perspirants Ban, Brut, Dry Idea, Speed Stick
Feminine Hygiene Always, douches, feminine lubricants and pads, tampons
Foot Care Products Arch and insole supports, Dr. Scholl's callus removers, Odor-Eaters, pedicure products, shoes, toenail clippers
Hair Care Products Conditioner and shampoo (including those used for dandruff), hairspray, styling aids
Hair Removal Products Hair-removal creams, razors, wax
Medicine Dispensers Medicine droppers, pill organizers
Powders Non-fungus fighting foot powders
Shaving and Grooming Products Aftershave, razors, shaving cream
Snoring Aids Nose drops and strips
Stimulants (to stay awake) No Doz, Vivarin
Sunscreen, Sunless Tanning, After Sun Products Coppertone, Hawaiian Tropic

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Considered Eligible for Reimbursement When Directed in Writing By a Physician to Treat a Specific Medical Condition*


The physician's letter must cite the specific medical condition being treated and indicate that the OTC drug or medication will treat or alleviate it.
Product Type Examples include, but are not limited to:
Herbs Black cohosh, echinacea, evening primrose oil, ginkgo biloba, Ginsana, ginseng, goldenseal root, nettle, olive leaf extract, saw palmetto, St. John's wort
Other Supplements Acidophilus, alpha lipoic acid, amino acids (L-Lysine, L-Arginine, L-Carnitine) chondroitin sulfate, cod liver oil, DHA, DHEA, EFO, flax seed oil, glucosamine complex, glucosamine sulfate, kelp, melatonin, omega-3, shark cartilage
Sleep Induction Medicine Simply Sleep, Sleepinal, Sominex, Unisom
Vitamins and Minerals Antioxidants, calcium, chromium, folic acid, iron, magnesium, multi-minerals, multi-vitamins, potassium, selenium, vitamins
Water Retention Products Aqua-Ban, Diurex
Weight Loss Products Pills
*OTC drugs and medical items are not covered under all plans. This list provides examples of available drugs and items; however, it is subject to change. For more information, consult your benefit plan or contact Customer Service.

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