However, this has not translated to an increase in appropriate us

However, this has not translated to an increase in appropriate use of OTC NSAIDs; since ibuprofen has become available outside the pharmacy setting in Australia fewer people are using NSAIDs appropriately according to

the label. The quality use of medicines, in particular OTC NSAIDs, is becoming increasingly reliant on product labelling and the ability of consumers to understand and self-assess risk. In the midst of escalating healthcare costs globally, self-medication has become an increasingly important option in the symptomatic management of common conditions. Self-medication encourages consumers to take an active role in their health. Self-medication also provides positive outcomes at a societal level. The total annual

savings resulting from a move of 5% of prescribed medications to self-medication in seven European countries has been estimated to be in excess of €16 billion.[1] selleckchem However, the benefits of such self-medication practices are dependent upon their being undertaken responsibly. Global research, spanning 50 countries, into consumers’ attitudes towards key GSK1120212 ic50 aspects of self-care revealed that 95% of respondents were open to taking medicines to self-treat minor ailments.[2] Although safety and efficacy were deemed the most important product attributes, there was no clear global consensus on the way in which consumers can best ensure they use self-medication appropriately. Responsible self-medication is driven largely by two aspects of drug safety: the intrinsic characteristics of the drug and how the drug is used. Appropriate use

depends upon the availability of information, and how easily it can be used. Within the broader context of self-medication, pain relief occupies a prominent position. The analgesic paracetamol was the first drug to be made available over the counter (OTC) in modern times.[3,4] Today analgesics represent one of the leading self-medication categories. In 2008 in Europe consumers spent €4193 million on analgesics, amounting to 14% of the total non-prescription Depsipeptide market. Corresponding figures for the USA and Australia were €2021 million (US$2768 million; 16.5% of the total non-prescription market) and €223 568 (AUS$338 583; 8.5% of the total non-prescription market), respectively. Differences in regulatory classification systems in different countries mean that the term ‘OTC analgesic’ defines analgesics that are available within the pharmacy setting without a prescription as well as those that are available in general sales outlets where no healthcare professional intervention is readily available. In the Australian market paracetamol was first introduced in 1956 and has been available in general sales outlets for several decades.

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