title: Over-the-counter drugs. The issues.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: European Proprietary Medicines Manufacturers' Association, Paris, France.
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Cranz
mesh_terms: D000329:Advertising; D006801:Humans; D007880:Legislation, Drug; D004366:Nonprescription Drugs / Q000009:adverse effects*; D012651:Self Medication
chemical_list: D004366:Nonprescription Drugs