Summary
Self-medication is recognised today as an important part of health-care systems. Empirical studies worldwide show that most consumers use self-medication preparations in a safe and proper way. Because of this, a liberal regulatory environment, concerning, in particular, the change from prescription to nonprescription status, seems appropriate. This must be combined with a comprehensive information package in consumer-oriented language. The characteristics for self-medication medicines which were developed by WHO might provide guidance for the national policies in that area.
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Cranz, H. Over-the-Counter Drugs. Drug-Safety 5 (Suppl 1), 120–125 (1990). https://doi.org/10.2165/00002018-199000051-00019
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.2165/00002018-199000051-00019