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PGEU Symposium. 15 June 2004 Contribution to the Panel discussion Claudio Lepori Member of the AESGP Board AESGP Offices : 7, Avenue de Tervuren, B-1040 Brussels Tel: +32 2 735 51 30, Fax: +32 2 735 52 22, info@aesgp.be. New study. THE ECONOMIC. AND PUBLIC HEALTH VALUE.
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PGEU Symposium 15 June 2004 Contribution to the Panel discussion Claudio Lepori Member of the AESGP Board AESGP Offices : 7, Avenue de Tervuren, B-1040 Brussels Tel: +32 2 735 51 30, Fax: +32 2 735 52 22, info@aesgp.be
New study THE ECONOMIC AND PUBLIC HEALTH VALUE OF SELF-MEDICATION
Analysis of the benefits of self-medication based on an economic model • The study demonstratesthe evidence base of the economic value of self-medicationand theincremental benefits of an increase in the levels of self-medication • The study shows that total annual savings will exceed 16 billion euros in the enlarged Europe. • Based on an economic model,the study analyses the economic and financial impact derived from a shift of 5% of prescribed products to self-medication • On the basis that, as wide research has shown: - There is asubstitution effectbetween prescribed medications and self-medication - Around15% of all prescriptions are related to the treatment of minor illnesses
Analysis of the benefits of self-medicationType of impact and affected party Table 1 shows the relevant factors affecting costs and the main parties involved
Analysis of the benefits of self-medicationAnnual savings in an enlarged Europe
Analysis of the benefits of self-medicationillness seen versus costs incurred Encouraging a shift to self-care would have the effect of transferring costs through each level
Rx-to-OTC switching and new medications for self-medication. Impact on public health • Self-medication also contributes effectively to public health • Through the analysis of three indication areas: smoking cessation, vaginal mycosis and heart disease prevention, the study demonstrates how responsible self-medication has a positive health outcome for the individual and additional positive consequences for the society as a whole • The availability of innovative non-prescription medicines: has the potential of increasing the likelihood of treatment and by that of reducing the number of sufferers • Increasing the evidence that a shift of medicines from prescription to non-prescription status and the availability of a growing range of non-prescription medicines will make an important contribution to public health
New medications for self-medication. Impact on public health Possible future new indications suitable for self-treatment, in the frame of collaborative care, can make an increasing contribution to improve public health
Policy recommendations • In order to make concrete progress with regard to an appropriate self-medication policy, the study suggests, following the G10 recommendations, a number of measures: • Increasing education and information on self-care options • Better communication on non-prescription medicines • Efficient marketing authorisation procedures • Speedy and transparent mechanisms to change product classification status • Free pricing for self-medication products
THE ECONOMIC AND PUBLIC HEALTH VALUE OF SELF-MEDICATION