Nursing students tend to use OTC medicines on their own accord, receiving instructions for safe use with their purchase, which points to adequate promotion of safe use of medications in Slovenia. Men's assessment of their personal health tends to be better than that of women, who also use medication more frequently. A connection between poor health and a higher incidence of the use of OTC medicines was established. The use of OTC medicines to treat minor mental health issues increased with age and was more typical of women. The results obtained demonstrate the importance of personal control over the safe use of medicines, motivation for personal good health and a healthy lifestyle.