The value of self-medication: summary of existing evidence

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this review was to identify the international evidence that is currently available on the economic value of self-care through responsible self-medication, in terms of the measures related to access to treatment, time, and productivity. Methods: A targeted literature search was conducted for 1990-2016, including data gathered from members of the World Self-Medication Industry and searches on PubMed, EBSCOHost, and Google Scholar. Specific searches of individual drug classes known to be switched to non-prescription status in this period were also conducted. Results: A total of 71 articles were identified, of which 17 (11 modeling studies, six retrospective analyses) were included in the review. Evidence from modeling studies and retrospective analyses of grouped data across a range of common conditions for which non-prescription medications are available in different countries/regions showed that the use of non-prescription products for the treatment of common conditions or for symptom management (e.g. allergies, chronic pain, migraine, vaginitis, gastrointestinal symptoms, or common cold symptoms) had considerable value to patients, payers, and employers alike in terms of cost savings and improved productivity. Potential benefits of self-medication were also identified in preventative healthcare strategies, such as those for cardiovascular health and osteoporosis. Limitations: This review was limited by a targeted, but non-systematic approach to literature retrieval, as well as the inclusion of unpublished reports/white papers and patient self-reported data. Conclusions: The evidence identified in this literature review shows that responsible, appropriate selfmedication with non-prescription products can provide significant economic benefits for patients, employers, and healthcare systems worldwide. ARTICLE HISTORY

The Pharmacokinetics and Relative Bioavailability of Mepolizumab 100 mg Liquid Formulation Administered Subcutaneously to Healthy Participants: A Randomized Trial

“…The availability of a liquid formulation of mepolizumab that can be delivered via easy‐to‐use devices is likely to simplify treatment administration and provide convenience for patient self‐administration. Self‐administration of treatment is considered a key goal in the management of many diseases, as it can provide a range of benefits including increased patient autonomy, flexibility in physician visits, and increased patient productivity . As a result of these potential advantages, self‐administration can provide significant economic benefits for patients, employers, and health care systems worldwide, as demonstrated in a review of studies assessing the impact of self‐administration on 26 chronic conditions .…”

“…Self-administration of treatment is considered a key goal in the management of many diseases, as it can provide a range of benefits including increased patient autonomy, flexibility in physician visits, and increased patient productivity. 23,24 As a result of these potential advantages, self-administration can provide significant economic benefits for patients, employers, and health care systems worldwide, as demonstrated in a review of studies assessing the impact of self-administration on 26 chronic conditions. 23 It is important to note that incorrect dosing is a potential risk with selfadministration.…”

“…Mepolizumab as a liquid drug product in a ready‐to‐use prefilled syringe (PFS) or prefilled autoinjector (AI) would eliminate the need for reconstitution steps and may also allow administration by the patient or caregiver at home. This may help to improve patient autonomy and flexibility in physician visits, increase patient productivity, and reduce health care burden and costs compared with health care provider administration options …”

“…This may help to improve patient autonomy and flexibility in physician visits, increase patient productivity, and reduce health care burden and costs compared with health care provider administration options. 23,24 The aim of this study was to compare the PK and safety profiles and to determine the relative bioavailability of the liquid drug product in a single-use PFS or single-use AI with the established reconstituted lyophilized drug product following administration of a single SC dose of mepolizumab 100 mg in healthy participants.…”

Epidemiology of non‐deferrable medical conditions in primary care in Italy

“…By doing so, a reduction in the GP workload would be obtained along with costs for the public health system. Nevertheless, NDCM types and severity need to be correctly classified to minimise incorrect diagnosis and self‐care because of the risk of misuse, abuse and adverse events due to medications as the consequence of no supervision by GPs (Noone & Blanchette, ).…”