Patients, society, and the increase in self medication

Area of Science:

• Pharmacology
• Public Health
• Health Economics

Background:

• Self-medication with over-the-counter (OTC) medicines is a long-standing practice in public healthcare.
• Reclassification of prescription drugs to OTC status has increased public access to previously restricted medications.
• Global governments are promoting self-medication to transfer healthcare costs to consumers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the growing trend of self-medication and its implications.
• To understand the economic impact of increased OTC medicine sales on national health systems.
• To explore the potential benefits and challenges of patient empowerment through self-care.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of OTC medicine sales data in relation to national health expenditure.
• Review of policy changes regarding drug reclassification from prescription to OTC.
• Examination of the concept of patient empowerment in the context of self-care.

Main Results:

• OTC medicine sales now constitute a significant portion (one-third) of the National Health Service (NHS) drug bill.
• Governments worldwide are actively encouraging self-medication as a cost-shifting strategy.
• Increased patient self-care and empowerment present numerous potential advantages.

Conclusions:

• The rise in self-medication, driven by drug reclassification, necessitates a re-evaluation of healthcare cost distribution.
• Effective collaboration between medical doctors and pharmacists is crucial for navigating the complexities of increased patient self-care.
• The trend towards self-care and patient empowerment holds significant potential for improving health outcomes if managed collaboratively.