E-drug: selfmedication policies, guidelines, EDL? (cont'd)
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Dear Peter, Tim & co,
I did my PhD thesis on appropriateness of self-medication in Finland
(available free as pdf format in http://www.stakes.fi/verkkojulk/ ->
research report 111/2000), but I actually never defined what it is! It
is much easier to say what is inappropriate self-medication.
However, you can find definition of "responsible self-medication"
from a WHO report: http://www.who.int/medicines/library/dap/
who-dap-98-13/who-dap-98-13.htm
The conflict of interest claim does not fit to the situation of many
the developed countries, especially when there is discussion
whether OTC drugs should be allowed to be sold outside
pharmacies. It is essential for the existence of the pharmaceutical
profession to be part of health care teams and provide advice and
information on health matters; not just to sell drugs. Of course I
have also heard anecdotal stories of a pharmacy owner telling the
pharmacist to "talk less and sell more", but that was in the old
days. I am sure that it takes some time before pharmacists adapt to
the new way of thinking (asking what should be done in the
situation instead of thinking automatically what drug works for the
symptoms). No matter how excited pharmacists are about
developing their professional role and providing health information
in the pharmacies.
About efficacy. NSAIDs and other analgesics are the top selling
OTC drugs in Finland. I believe their efficacy is good for many
conditions (?), but the problems are prolonged use and concomitant
use with prescription painkillers.
Kind regards,
Sinikka
Sinikka Sihvo, researcher
STAKES (National Research and Development Centre for Welfare
and Health)
Helsinki, Finland
email: sinikka.sihvo@stakes.fi
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