in a bma report launched today, 14 june 2005, doctors are calling for education programmes for health professionals and patients about available over-the-counter (otc) medicines.
over-the-counter medication is being launched by the bma's (british medical association's) board of science and is aimed at health professionals and policy makers.
the self-management of medical conditions and long-term self-treatment to prevent ill health is likely to be more extensive in the future. it is essential, therefore, says the report that patients and doctors understand both the benefits and risks of otc medicines. otc medication enables people to take responsibility for their own health and reduces their need to see doctors about minor conditions.
increased switching from prescription only medicines (pom) to pharmacy medicines (p) has meant that the public can self-treat more conditions than ever before but highlights the key role of pharmacists as well as the need for education.
risks as well as benefits can be associated with otc medicines and the new bma report says the public needs to be made aware of this. there can be potentially dangerous consequences from combining otc medicines and some prescription only drugs. the herbal drug, st john's wort, has adverse effects on some commonly prescribed medicines, for example, blood thinning drugs like warfarin, the contraceptive pill, and some anti-depressants. pharmacists can advise on this.
over-the-counter medication is being launched by the bma's (british medical association's) board of science and is aimed at health professionals and policy makers.
the self-management of medical conditions and long-term self-treatment to prevent ill health is likely to be more extensive in the future. it is essential, therefore, says the report that patients and doctors understand both the benefits and risks of otc medicines. otc medication enables people to take responsibility for their own health and reduces their need to see doctors about minor conditions.
increased switching from prescription only medicines (pom) to pharmacy medicines (p) has meant that the public can self-treat more conditions than ever before but highlights the key role of pharmacists as well as the need for education.
risks as well as benefits can be associated with otc medicines and the new bma report says the public needs to be made aware of this. there can be potentially dangerous consequences from combining otc medicines and some prescription only drugs. the herbal drug, st john's wort, has adverse effects on some commonly prescribed medicines, for example, blood thinning drugs like warfarin, the contraceptive pill, and some anti-depressants. pharmacists can advise on this.