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There is concern as to whether the public use OTC (over-the-counter) medicines with due diligence. The objective was to quantify the likelihood and extent people would seek information on OTC medicines in relation to 10 non-medicine products as a surrogate of the importance consumers place on them. Citizens of one Canadian province estimated the likelihood and extent (scale of 1 to 10) they would search for information when considering a purchase. The survey had two lists—a MIXED products list (5 OTC medicine categories and 10 non-medicine products) and an OTC MEDICINES list (15 categories). Five hundred and seventy-five surveys were obtained (response rate 19.2 percent). The average age was 63.0 years and 61.6 percent were female. The mean search likelihood for the 15 products on the MIXED list ranged from 2.2 to 7.4. There was more intention to search for information involving OTC medicines (mean = 5.0) than non-medicine products (mean = 4.1). There was a weak positive correlation in search likelihood relative to OTC medicine familiarity. This study revealed that the likelihood of searching for information prior to purchase is not particularly robust. With a plethora of information currently available to consumers, motivation to access it is what may need attention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background This paper reviews the regulations of over-the-counter (OTC) medicines in 30 European countries with the goal of identifying the regulatory trends and clusters as of May 2022. Methods To that end, we reviewed the regulation that directly or indirectly might have an impact on OTC medicines. The data were gathered from the national legislation, reports from international organizations, and the existent literature. The 12 regulatory items obtained were classified into four categories: price, pharmacy ownership, distribution modes, and dispensing restrictions. In addition, these items were also employed in the cluster analysis. Results Pharmacy ownership is mainly private, and in the majority of countries, OTC medicines are not subject to any pricing system. Almost every country studied allows online selling of OTC medicines, and 16 countries allow non-pharmacy retail to sell OTC medicines as well. The dispensing restrictions applicable in pharmacy retail are similar in the countries studied: they rely on the staff, OTC medicines are placed behind the counter and the doses dispensed tend to be restricted. Concerning non-pharmacy retail, additional dispensing restrictions might be imposed, such as the establishment of buyers’ minimum age, the requirement of a pharmacist to supervise the operations, a regulation on the location in the store, and further restrictions on the package sizes, strength, or pharmaceutical form. The cluster analysis resulted in an initial division between countries that widely allow the sale of OTC medicines in non-pharmacy retail and countries, where pharmacy retail has an OTC monopoly. Based on the regulations, 7 subsequent groups were identified evidencing wide regulatory heterogeneity within the countries studied. Conclusions Our findings point out that OTC medicines are in general not subject to pricing systems, selling is allowed online, and ownership of pharmacies is mostly private. However, regarding dispensing restrictions, pharmacy chains, and establishment restrictions of pharmacies, we found heterogeneity that is also visible in our cluster analysis, since we identified 7 clusters.

The public generally believes OTC medicines to be helpful for treating minor ailments. From a survey point of view, that position often originates from feedback obtained when these medicines are considered as one broad category. The objective of the study was to assess the properties of 15 categories of agents across three dimensions—effectiveness, safety, and familiarity. Data were gathered via an online non-random survey in one Canadian province, where residents were asked to consider 15 OTC medicine categories in terms of those dimensions. Five hundred and seventy-five completed surveys were obtained out of 3000 sent. On the 10-point effectiveness scale, values ranged from 5.1 (Athlete's foot cream) to 7.3 (headache medicine). For safety, the medicines were closely grouped (6.0 to 7.4). Cough syrups for children were perceived as less safe than those for adults. There was a trend in that, as product familiarity grew, so did impressions of safety and effectiveness. The results support other reports where OTC medicines are described as safe and effective, although safety ratings were not particularly high. Responders considered these medicines to generally be higher in safety than effectiveness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This paper reviews the regulations of over-the-counter (OTC) medicines in 30 European countries with the goal of identifying the regulatory trends and clusters as of May 2022. Methods: To that end, we reviewed the regulation that directly or indirectly might have an impact on OTC medicines. The data were gathered from the national legislation, reports from international organizations, and the existent literature. The 12 regulatory items obtained were classified into four categories: price, pharmacy ownership, distribution modes, and dispensing restrictions. In addition, these items were also employed in the cluster analysis. Results: Pharmacy ownership is mainly private, and in the majority of countries, OTC medicines are not subject to any pricing system. Almost every country studied allows online selling of OTC medicines, and 16 countries allow non-pharmacy retail to sell OTC medicines as well. The dispensing restrictions applicable in pharmacy retail are similar in the countries studied: they rely on the staff, OTC medicines are placed behind the counter and the doses dispensed tend to be restricted. Concerning non-pharmacy retail, additional dispensing restrictions might be imposed, such as the establishment of buyers' minimum age, the requirement of a pharmacist to supervise the operations, a regulation on the location in the store, and further restrictions on the package sizes, strength, or pharmaceutical form. The cluster analysis resulted in an initial division between countries that widely allow the sale of OTC medicines in non-pharmacy retail and countries, where pharmacy retail has an OTC monopoly. Based on the regulations, 7 subsequent groups were identified evidencing wide regulatory heterogeneity within the countries studied. Conclusions: Our findings point out that OTC medicines are in general not subject to pricing systems, selling is allowed online, and ownership of pharmacies is mostly private. However, regarding dispensing restrictions, pharmacy chains, and establishment restrictions of pharmacies, we found heterogeneity that is also visible in our cluster analysis, since we identified 7 clusters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is concern as to whether the public use OTC (over-the-counter) medicines with due diligence. The objective was to quantify the likelihood and extent people would seek information on OTC medicines in relation to 10 non-medicine products as a surrogate of the importance consumers place on them. Citizens of one Canadian province estimated the likelihood and extent (scale of 1 to 10) they would search for information when considering a purchase. The survey had two lists—a MIXED products list (5 OTC medicine categories and 10 non-medicine products) and an OTC MEDICINES list (15 categories). Five hundred and seventy-five surveys were obtained (response rate 19.2 percent). The average age was 63.0 years and 61.6 percent were female. The mean search likelihood for the 15 products on the MIXED list ranged from 2.2 to 7.4. There was more intention to search for information involving OTC medicines (mean = 5.0) than non-medicine products (mean = 4.1). There was a weak positive correlation in search likelihood relative to OTC medicine familiarity. This study revealed that the likelihood of searching for information prior to purchase is not particularly robust. With a plethora of information currently available to consumers, motivation to access it is what may need attention.

The public generally believes OTC medicines to be helpful for treating minor ailments. From a survey point of view, that position often originates from feedback obtained when these medicines are considered as one broad category. The objective of the study was to assess the properties of 15 categories of agents across three dimensions—effectiveness, safety, and familiarity. Data were gathered via an online non-random survey in one Canadian province, where residents were asked to consider 15 OTC medicine categories in terms of those dimensions. Five hundred and seventy-five completed surveys were obtained out of 3000 sent. On the 10-point effectiveness scale, values ranged from 5.1 (Athlete’s foot cream) to 7.3 (headache medicine). For safety, the medicines were closely grouped (6.0 to 7.4). Cough syrups for children were perceived as less safe than those for adults. There was a trend in that, as product familiarity grew, so did impressions of safety and effectiveness. The results support other reports where OTC medicines are described as safe and effective, although safety ratings were not particularly high. Responders considered these medicines to generally be higher in safety than effectiveness.

To determine the frequency of use, sources of information, and selection criteria of Greek residents regarding over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, as well as their opinion about their dispensing in nonpharmacy settings. This was a survey study in which an anonymous cross-sectional questionnaire was used to assess the knowledge, habits, and attitudes about OTC drugs. Data were collected from March 2017 to July 2017 in Thessaloniki, the second largest city in Greece. Logistic regression was used to investigate significant factors that affect the participants' behavior. A total of 782 participants completed the questionnaire. The population had a mean (SD) age of 46 (17) years and 55.1% were females. About one-third (32.5%) of the participants used nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs more than once per week. OTC drugs acting on the gastrointestinal tract were used to a lower extent (13.2%). The majority (84%) of the respondents consult a healthcare professional about the information on OTC drugs. Furthermore, when not sure about which OTC drug to use, 510 participants (65.6%) valued their physician's advice, whereas 480 participants (60.2%) valued their pharmacist's advice. Most participants (61.2%) were negatively inclined toward the purchase of OTC drugs in nonpharmacy settings, with younger participants being more receptive to out-of-pharmacy OTC drug purchase than older ones (odds ratio 2.20; 95% confidence interval 1.37-3.54). Healthcare professionals play an important role in providing people information on their selection of OTC drugs. This could be the main reason why participants prefer to buy OTC drugs from community pharmacies rather than retail shops. • Healthcare professionals play a crucial role in recommending effective and safe over-the-counter (OTC) drugs and informing consumers about them. • About two-thirds of the respondents were able to distinguish the majority of OTC and prescription drugs. • The majority of the respondents rejected the idea of purchasing OTC drugs in nonpharmacy settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The COVID-19 pandemic, the burden on the health system, and reduced access to health services have led to an increase in the purchase of over-the-counter (OTC) medicines. The research was conducted in the Benu pharmacy in Belgrade, with 200 users of pharmacy services. The questionnaire for patients through 25 questions grouped into 5 dimensions provided an overview of the influence of various factors on the decision to purchase OTC medicines: the price of a medical examination, pharmacist recommendations, the influence of family and friends, previous experiences, and advertising. The analysis revealed a statistically significant difference between the scores in the claims of the respondents before and during the COVID-19 pandemic in the domains: the price of a medical examination (t = 2.592; df = 198; p < 0.05) and information on OTC medicines (t = 2.549; df=198; p < 0.05). The Questionnaire for patients defines the factors that influence the choice of OTC medicines for the self-medication process and is a good guideline for considering the shortcomings in the trade of OTC medicines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent austerity experiences in Greece suggest a plausible link between extensive use of over-the-counter (OTC) medicines and socio-economic peculiarities of life. During the economic crisis in Greece, accessibility to healthcare services has been impacted, particularly for people with low income. However, this fact has not been systematically analyzed in conjunction with an observed increase in use of OTC medicines. Gaining a better understanding of the reasons leading to self-care may help to answer additional questions. Further research is needed to assess the gap between self-care and medically assisted care/treatment by designing pilot monitoring actions and focusing on behaviours related to OTC medicine use. Primary care can offer more collaboration between primary care physicians, community pharmacists, patients, and their families. It is crucial to create a multimodal research plan to gain a better understanding of motivational reasons that eventually lead to increasing use of OTC medicines. Efforts should be made to develop data collection techniques that will elicit information from various social groups that focus on changeable behaviours and perceived needs in relation to medicine consumption. • Self-care empowerment may be beyond citizens' free choice; • OTC medicine use shows traits of increasing; • Perceived needs and OTC medicine use remain unexplored; • Manuscript Header = Commentary [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objectives of this research are to investigate (1) if a later entrant can reduce an order of entry effect by positioning itself as a low-price brand; and (2) if the type of low-price brand impacts the effectiveness of this strategy. The impact of a low-price strategy on the order of entry effect has been modelled using three categories of over-the-counter medicines. The results indicate that, in a majority of categories and dependent on the type of low-price brand, a low-price strategy can reduce the market share penalty for being a later entrant. In addition, the results provide evidence that leveraging an existing store brand name does not provide a strategic advantage over establishing a new brand name. The implications for managers is that a low-price brand provides a motivating point of difference for consumers, which shifts brand preferences and market share away from the pioneer brand. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Objective: The objective of this study was to improve understanding of medicine safety knowledge among 6th grade students before and after participation in the OTC Literacy program. Methods: Among 1031 students attending 17 schools, the percentage of correct responses was calculated for total score and each learning objective; paired t-tests assessed pre-/post-program performance. Results: Program participation improved medicine-related knowledge in total score, for boys and girls, and in each type of school locale (ps < .001). Conclusions: Students who participated in the OTC Literacy program increased their medicine-related knowledge about safe, responsible use of OTC medicines in a variety of school locales. Early education can improve knowledge and may decrease medicine errors and misuse by fostering good life-long habits and attitudes about medicines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Non-pharmacy trade concerns the sale of medicinal products outside of pharmacies, such as limited-service pharmacies, supermarkets, petrol stations, shops open to the public, and kiosks. Access to medicinal products via non-pharmacy outlets varies across the European countries, with a general deregulation of this market area observable. Increasing the availability of medicines by allowing patients to obtain them outside of pharmacies contributes to the spread of self-medication. The aim of this article was to review the legal regulations enabling the non-pharmacy trade in OTC (over the counter) medicinal products in European countries, with particular emphasis on the analysis of active substances contained in medicines available in the non-pharmacy trade. This analysis has made it possible to distinguish three categories of countries: (1) where there is a non-pharmacy trade in OTC medicinal products, (2) where there is a limited non-pharmacy trade in OTC medicines, (3) where there is only a pharmacy trade in OTC medicinal products. In the context of these considerations, we highlight the impact of patient access to medicinal products via non-pharmacy sources on raising the prevalence of self-medication. This article identifies the advantages and risks of self-medication, emphasising the role of the pharmacist as an advisor to patients within the scope of the therapies used.

One post-marketing surveillance challenge for many regulatory authorities is access to information regarding the safety of over-the-counter (OTC) medicines. National spontaneous adverse drug reaction (ADR) report data represent a rich potential data source for the detection of safety signals associated with OTC medicines, yet little is known regarding the possibility of detecting safety signals for OTC medicines within these datasets. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential for detecting safety signals for OTC medicines in National ADR spontaneous reporting data, using OTC non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and gastrointestinal bleeding as an example. Data from the Australian Adverse Drug Reactions System (ADRS) dataset (1971–2008) and the Canadian Vigilance Adverse Reaction Online Database (VAROD) (1965–2013) were used to explore the feasibility of using spontaneous reporting data, exploring the association between gastrointestinal bleeding and the use of OTC NSAIDs. Safety signals were examined using disproportionality analyses and reporting odds ratios calculated. After adjusting for age, gender, medications known to increase the risk of bleeding, and medications used for the management of conditions associated with an increased risk of bleeding, a two-fold increase in the risk of gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding with OTC NSAID was observed within each dataset. This study demonstrates that spontaneous ADR reporting data can be used in pharmacovigilance to monitor the safety of OTC medicines.

Introduction. The modern pharmaceutical care is supposed to meet numerous demands resulting from the presence and broad availability of OTC medicines. In this case the pharmacist becomes the primary advisor as for the application of medicines which are not prescribed by a doctor. Aim. The aim of the study was to recognize the position of pharmacists employed in the pharmacy towards pharmaceutical care, possibilities to conduct it and barriers of its implementation. Material and method. The researchers conducted a survey with elements of a questionnaire interview. The number of 186 pharmacists who work in pharmacies in the province of Lublin took part in the research. Results. The surveyed perceive the benefits of performing pharmaceutical care: increased prestige of the profession, greater satisfaction with their job - 44.9% choices for each; increase of the effectiveness of pharmacotherapy (54.6%) and treatment (44.3%). The major barriers to introducing pharmaceutical care include insufficient education of pharmacists (33.7%) and lack of solid co-operation with the doctor (32.6%). Conclusions. Pharmacists are aware of the importance of pharmaceutical care, although they identify a number of barriers which hinder its effective introduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Retail sales of over the counter (OTC) medications have risen steadily over the years; however, these products are not without potential risk. The aim of this study was to describe the marketing strategies used to promote OTC medicines to children and their parents. Data were collected from 187 product packaging of fever reducer, allergy, and cough medicines posted on the Internet sites of three of the largest pharmacies in the United States. Specific marketing information was collected related to flavorings and pictures appearing on the packaging. There was no significant difference between the type of medicine and whether they were flavored or not, as almost every product (95.7 %) indicated that it resembles a food flavoring. On almost all the packaging (92.5 %) the flavor was also indicated by words in different font sizes. Most of the products (83.4 %) showed a picture of a food product on their packaging. There was a significant difference between the medicine types by picture, with fever medicines having more pictures of food than either cough or allergy medicine. Stronger regulations of marketing strategies of these products are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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'Antimicrobial resistance is a global health security threat that requires concerted cross-sectional action by governments and society as a whole,' according to a report published by the WHO in April 2014[1]. On 24-25 June 2014, the Global Respiratory Infection Partnership ( GRIP) met in London, UK, together with delegates from 18 different countries to discuss practical steps that can be taken at a local level to address this global problem in an aligned approach. This was the second annual summit of GRIP. The group, formed in 2012, includes primary care and hospital physicians, microbiologists, researchers, and pharmacists from nine core countries. GRIP aims to unite healthcare professionals ( HCPs) around the world to take action against inappropriate antibiotic use, focussing on one of the most prevalent therapy areas where antibiotics are inappropriately prescribed - upper respiratory tract infections ( URTIs). Chaired by GRIP member, Professor John Oxford ( UK), the 2014 summit included engaging presentations by guest speakers examining the latest science regarding the impact of inappropriate antibiotic use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Treating the symptoms of colds and flu in patients with concomitant chronic conditions can be a difficult task. Pharmacists have to consider the effects of the medication on the chronic underlying disease, and also the possibility of drug-drug interactions. This article discusses the use of over-the-counter medication for the treatment of cold and flu symptoms in patients with chronic conditions, and important considerations to ensure effective management of these patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives The aims of the study were to (i) quantify the sales of over-the-counter ( OTC) ophthalmic chloramphenicol from all community pharmacies in Wales and investigate the impact on primary care prescriptions up to 5 years after reclassification and (ii) investigate the temporal relationship between items supplied OTC and on NHS primary care prescriptions. Methods Primary care prescription data (2004-2010) and OTC sales data (2005-2010) for ophthalmic chloramphenicol were obtained. The quantity sold OTC was calculated from pharmacy wholesale records and sales data from a large pharmacy multiple. Spearman's rank correlation for prescription and OTC supplies of ophthalmic chloramphenicol was calculated for data from January 2008 to December 2010. Key findings OTC supply of chloramphenicol eye drops and ointment were both highest in 2007-2008 and represented 68% (57 708/84 304) and 48% (22 875/47 192) of the corresponding prescription volume, respectively. There was a steady year-on-year increase in the combined supply of OTC ophthalmic chloramphenicol and that dispensed on prescription from 144 367 items in 2004-2005 to 210 589 in 2007-2008 before stabilising in 2008-2009 and 2009-2010. A significant positive correlation was observed between prescription items and OTC sales of chloramphenicol eye drops and ointment combined ( r = 0.7, P < 0.001). Conclusion OTC availability increased the total quantity of ophthalmic chloramphenicol supplied in primary care compared to that seen prior to reclassification. Although growth in the sales of ophthalmic chloramphenicol OTC has stabilised and the supply pattern mirrors primary care prescribers, further work is required to investigate whether use is appropriate and whether the publication of updated practice guidance has changed this. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Irrational prescribing of over-the-counter (OTC) medicines in general practice is common in Southern Europe. Recent findings from a research project funded by the European Commission (FP7), the "OTC SOCIOMED", conducted in seven European countries, indicate that physicians in countries in the Mediterranean Europe region prescribe medicines to a higher degree in comparison to physicians in other participating European countries. In light of these findings, a feasibility study has been designed to explore the acceptance of a pilot educational intervention targeting physicians in general practice in various settings in the Mediterranean Europe region. Methods: This feasibility study utilized an educational intervention was designed using the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB). It took place in geographically-defined primary care areas in Cyprus, France, Greece, Malta, and Turkey. General Practitioners (GPs) were recruited in each country and randomly assigned into two study groups in each of the participating countries. The intervention included a one-day intensive training programme, a poster presentation, and regular visits of trained professionals to the workplaces of participants. Reminder messages and email messages were, also, sent to participants over a 4-week period. A pre- and post-test evaluation study design was employed. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected at pre- and post-intervention phases. The primary outcome of this feasibility pilot intervention was to reduce GPs' intention to provide medicines following the educational intervention, and its secondary outcomes included a reduction of prescribed medicines following the intervention, as well as an assessment of its practicality and acceptance by the participating GPs. Results: Median intention scores in the intervention groups were reduced, following the educational intervention, in comparison to the control group. Descriptive analysis of related questions indicated a high overall acceptance and perceived practicality of the intervention programme by GPs, with median scores above 5 on a 7-point Likert scale. Conclusions: Evidence from this intervention will help determine the most relevant variables and estimate the parameters required to design a larger study aimed at assessing the effectiveness of such educational interventions. In addition, it could also help inform health policy makers and decision makers regarding the management of behavioural changes in the prescribing patterns of physicians in Mediterranean Europe, particularly in Southern European countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Drug-related problems are known to be a major problem associated with pharmacotherapy. A broad range of studies, mainly in the area of prescription-only medicines, supports this fact. Only a few studies have evaluated drug-related problems with over-the-counter medicine and the role of community pharmacies in this. Purpose: To quantify drug-related problems in self-medication (use of over-the-counter medicine) identified by community pharmacies in Denmark and to document the interventions by pharmacy staff in relation to the identified drug-related problems. Method: A descriptive study mapping drug-related problems in self-medication registered at the counter at a selected number of Danish community pharmacies. Results: Data for 3,868 consecutive customers with requests for over-the-counter (OTC) medicines were registered at 39 community pharmacies. The pharmacies registered a total number of 4,324 OTC medicines requests, illustrating that a customer requested 1.1 OTC medicines on average. Drug-related problems (DRPs) were identified for 813 customers, equivalent to DRPs for 21.0 % of all customers, presenting symptoms or requesting OTC medicines, and for 20 % of all over-the-counter medicines requests. 1,239 DRPs were registered, corresponding to an average of 1.5 DRPs per customer requesting OTC medicines. Community pharmacies estimated that they solved or partly solved 76.2 % of the detected DRPs; 73 % were solved without involving a general practitioner. Conclusions: DRPs were identified for 21.0 % of the pharmacy customers presenting a symptom or asking for an OTC medicine. The community pharmacy counselled the customers with DRPs more thoroughly than other customers by giving 2.4 pieces of professional advice, compared to an average of 2.1 to customers in general. It is not possible to determine the magnitude of the safety risk involved. Based on the most frequent categories of DRPs, there were risks of insufficient effect, unintended effects and, to a lesser extent, inappropriate self-medication. Type: Original Research

Abstract: Background: Sales of nonprescription medicines (NPMs) in retail outlets in Sweden have been permitted since 2009. The conditions are that sales are reported to the Medicine Product Agency (MPA) and that the owners of the retail outlets fulfill legal requirements. The MPA has an overall supervisory function, whereas municipalities are responsible for the actual control. This is mainly executed through inspections. Objective: The aim of the study was to explore some aspects of control performed by Swedish authorities of NPM sales in retail outlets. Methods: Telephonic interviews were conducted with inspectors from a heterogenic sample of municipalities in Sweden during autumn of 2010. A semistructured interview guide was designed, which included questions on inspections and deviations found in inspections. Interviews were documented in writing, and a deductive content analysis was performed. Results: Inspectors in 15 municipalities participated. In 8 of the municipalities, at least 1 inspection had been conducted. Seven inspectors had used a checklist designed by the MPA, although a majority found it difficult to use. Deviations found were mainly minor; they included lack of signs regarding age limits and prohibition of illegal sales, unlocked/open drug cabinet doors, nonexistent self-inspection programs, erroneous display of NPMs, and broken drug packages. Two serious deviations were found and reported to the MPA; these were negligence in reporting of sales statistics of NPM and 1 case where the inspector had not been allowed to conduct any inspection. Conclusion: The restructuring of the sale of NPMs in Sweden, permitting sale outside pharmacies, has not been accompanied by satisfactory control procedures from authorities according to our findings. Work is still needed to make sure that optimal drug use and patient safety issues are kept in focus. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Changes regarding patient empowerment are taking place nowadays. Users of medicines are becoming more educated, confident and want to be involved in their healthcare issues. Cases when users of medicines do not consult medical specialists but take decisions based on their own knowledge or other sources show the global tendency of self-medication. Self-medication is easy to be implemented in cases when illness symptoms are not heavy, e. g., conventional common cold. A quantitative study in Latvia, examining information sources during the previous common cold episode and the opinion about the availability of non-commercial information for medicine users, showed that "friends and relatives" were consulted most often. Medical specialists took the fourth and the sixth place, respectively. The research data have shown that people feel they lack independent (non-commercial) information about medicines for treating or relieving symptoms of common cold as only less than one fifth of the population consider such information fully available in Latvia. The global tendency of self-medication needs to be supported by healthcare professionals offering consumers good quality information about medicines. Medical nurses involved into patient consultations about common cold related issues can considerably facilitate the work of physicians. A non-commercial source about healthcare-related issues, including medicines, has to be established. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Community pharmacies are widely used in the UK, but the services they provide are changing, with pharmacists expected to take on wider roles and responsibilities. The impact of such changes will partly depend on who uses pharmacies and their illnesses. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

As part of the FDA's current review of its regulatory approach to nonprescription medicines, it is necessary for stakeholders to contribute to the ongoing discourse. Reclassification of prescription medicines to over-the-counter status is an important topic attracting the attention of many in the United States and elsewhere. This article presents a detailed examination of FDA's application of switch regulatory policy, the use of innovative consumer communication and education tools in the OTC environment and overall public health impact of the switch using the Nicorette case as an example. Post switch evidence shows that OTC reclassification of Nicorette achieved the anticipated goal of balancing increased access with decreased control in the OTC atmosphere resulting in a positive public health outcome in the area of smoking control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]