title: [Status of self medication in West Germany].
abstract: The position of self-medication in the health care system of the Federal Republic of Germany has become more important during the last years. The possibility of self-treatment of minor illnesses is accepted by the majority of the consumers. Associations concerned and the legislature are in favour of self-medication particularly in view of political principles and health economical reasons within a limit which does not endanger the security of medication. At present self-medication medicines amount to 18 per cent of the sale of medicines in pharmacies. There has been a lot of discussion lately on the distinction between prescribed and non-prescribed medicines as well as on the risks of pharmaceuticals available for self-service. But the principle of self-medication itself is not in doubt.
mesh_terms: D011307:Drug Prescriptions; D005860:Germany, West; D006801:Humans; D004366:Nonprescription Drugs / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012651:Self Medication / Q000379:methods*
chemical_list: D004366:Nonprescription Drugs
vernacular_title: Zum Stand der Selbstmedikation in der Bundesrepublik Deutschland.