Over-the-counter drugs. The issues.

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.