“Read the use information, follow the instructions and always use over-the-counter medication responsibly” is the common message of all European drug agencies involved in the EU-wide campaign #Medicinesarotweets. The aim is to sensitize the patient: to sensitize the correct use of over -the -counter drugs. The campaign is worn by 30 EEA countries, supported in Austria by the Ministry of Health (BMASGPK) and the AGES and is aimed at all persons who often or occasionally take over-free medication such as pain relievers, nasal sprays, stomach protection or coughing.
“In Austria there are almost 5,000 drugs that can be bought without a prescription. These drugs have a demonstrable effect, but it can also have side effects. It is therefore important that you read the package insert carefully before taking it. Only if you know the instructions well, can the drug be correct and used with the highest possible security,” emphasizes the Minister of Health Korinna Schumann: Interior and safe use of the patient and the reliable application of so-called OTC products.
What are over -the -counter drugs?
Over -the -counter drugs are available in pharmacies and some in drugstores and supermarkets without a prescription (i.e. without a prescription). They are for a wide variety of, mostly lighter symptoms, such as B. Pain, fever or colds thought that the patient can take on their own responsibility and without medical prescription or diagnosis. “However, no drug is completely without risk and the self -responsible treatment of symptoms or diseases with over -the -counter drugs requires a particularly high degree of mindfulness,” says Günter Waxenecker, business field manager of the AGE’s medical market supervision.
“False or careless use or inaccurate dosage can lead to various side effects, have interactions with other pharmaceutical or food or even lead to dependencies,” says internist Johannes Pleiner-Duxneuner, Managing Director of AGE. That is why, as with any other drug, it is important to carefully read the package insert (in the technical term: “the use information”) and to follow the instructions described in detail there.
Enlightenment for the safe application of OTC products
Since the application of over -the -counter medication is cross -border, the European countries in the campaign “Medicines are no candies” have come together. They remind you of the most important steps that are necessary to use these medication safe: careful reading of the use information, considering the correct dosage, adhering to the recommended maximum application and, if no improvement occurs, always quick consultation with a doctor.
The “Medications are not a candy” reconnaissance campaign is the first joint campaign of the Heads of Medicines Agencies (HMA), the network of national drug agencies in Europe, which are responsible for the regulation and surveillance of medicines. The HMA cooperates closely with the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and the European Commission (EC) to ensure the security, quality and effectiveness of drugs in Austria and Europe.