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"Freely available" drugs: not compulsory

Some drugs are described as "freely available" to patients in pharmacies. But where will patients find reliable information enable them to make informed choices?

The French government is preparing to make some drugs "freely available" from pharmacies. According to the information available at the beginning of April 2008, pharmacists will not be under any obligation to offer this new "service". If they do, they must ensure the shelves displaying these products are within their view and that they do not mix these drugs with other freely available non-drug products.

It is unacceptable that the proposed list of drugs includes some drugs with an unfavourable risk-benefit balance, such as the vasoconstrictor pseudoephedrine for rhinitis, and flurbiprofene, an anti-inflammatory for sore throats.

Pharmacists should think twice before offering "freely available" drugs. Which drugs should or shouldn't be displayed? What is the minimum advice that should be given when a drug "chosen" by the patient is sold? To what extent do we accept that drugs become just a product like any other?

Patients are also under no obligation to opt for "freely available" drugs, especially if they are uncertain, in financial difficulty (these drugs will not be refundable), or if the only information they have is an ad seen on TV.

©Prescrire May 2008

Source: "Médicaments en "libre accès" : bientôt autorisés ; sûrement pas obligatoires" Rev Prescrire 2008; 28 (295) 337.

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