Creepy Vocabulary: over-the-counter

over-the-counter drugs can be obtained without a prescription (=a written order) from a doctor

e.g. Vasya is a drug addict. Last week he ran out of heroin and nearly killed himself because he was having severe cramps. (He was completely broke ... these junkies!) He was rescued by one of his druggies who cooked some powerful stuff using over-the-counter meds.

Grammar Comprehension: Did Vasya saw his arm himself you or have his friend to do it?

Question:
    Have you ever resorted to using over-the-counter medicines in cases like the one in the example?