Some medicines are only available at the pharmacy on prescription. Others you can simply buy yourself at the pharmacy, drugstore or in another shop. For this type of self-care medication, for example, think of paracetamol or a cough syrup. When granting a permit for admission to the market, we as a medicine authority also indicate where a self-care medicine may be sold. We consciously look at each medicine to see whether it is necessary for a pharmacist or chemist to be available to provide information.
Nivel presented a group of consumers and patients with questions about self-care medicines. What seems? Two-thirds of people received no verbal information the last time they bought over-the-counter medicines. They also indicated that they did not need this. The majority do read the package leaflet to find out more about side effects and how and for how long you can use it.
Most people use over-the-counter medicines for a short time: less than a week. As it is also stated in the package leaflet with most self-care medicines. It was noticeable that people indicated that they use antacids (27%) and different types of nasal sprays (12%) for longer than allowed according to the package leaflet.
Most people therefore find the information in the package leaflet important. That is of course good to read. But we do see that people do not always read or understand that information properly. We also see that people do not always use their self-care medicines correctly. For example, they do this for too long and may therefore not be effective against the right complaints.
Good information to the consumer and patient is very important for self-care medicines. About the amount per day, the duration of use and the side effects. Use self-care medicines briefly and follow the advice in the package leaflet and at points of sale. It is the seller’s duty to inform properly if necessary. I also see it as a task for the MEB to continue to improve the information in the package leaflet.
To return to my opening question, saline nasal sprays are not a cure. You can use it a little longer. But with nasal sprays that are registered as medicine, such as nasal sprays with xylometazoline for a cold, the advice is not to use the spray for longer than a week. Prolonged or too much use can cause nasal congestion, because the mucous membranes swell. While the cold is long gone.
Over-the-counter medications are an important addition to professional care. But they also have side effects. So read the package leaflet and, if in doubt, ask the chemist, pharmacist or doctor for information.
