Evolution of self-care with over-the-counter medications

The quality of self-care counselling by pharmacy practitioners, supported by IT-based clinical guidelines

“…Due to OTC drug advertising, the mass media, and the Internet, the public has more access to self-care information than ever before. Due to the reclassification of many drugs from prescription-only to OTC status, an increasing number have become available for self-medication [1][2][3][4]. Sweden has also adopted this trend, resulting in an increased number of drugs available without a prescription [4,5].…”

Analysis of the Movement of Prescription Drugs to Over-the-Counter Status

“…In a study by Kline and Company, it was estimated that American consumers saved almost $13 billion a year by using medications switched from prescription-only availability to OTC status. 5 Furthermore, they reported that 63% of total U.S. OTC sales in 1996 (approximately $10.2 billion) were from prescription-to-OTC-switched products and products formulated with switched ingredients. Others argue that the trend merely transfers the burden of costs from third parties to consumers.…”

A review of pharmaceutical scheduling processes in six countries and the effect on consumer access to medicines

“…28 Responsible self-medication must be accompanied by appropriate health information. 7,11 Consumers appear to use pharmacists in a variety of ways: as a 'first port of call' when treating minor ailments; as facilitators, either confirming their choice of self-care or as an agent, referring them to a GP; 29 as a resource for self-care, 30 and 'an important' source of drug information. 31,32 As consumers assume greater responsibility for their healthcare, pharmacists can play an important role by serving as an additional information source for consumers and helping them to make informed decisions.…”