1. 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

2. OF SELF-MEDICATION AND PUBLIC HEALTH VALUE THE ECONOMIC New study

3. Analysis of the benefits of self- medication based on an economic model ► The study demonstrates the evidence base of the economic value of self-medication and the incremental 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 a substitution effect between prescribed medications and self-medication - There is a substitution effect between prescribed medications and self-medication - Around 15% of all prescriptions are related to the treatment of minor illnesses

4. Analysis of the benefits of self-medication Type of impact and affected party Table 1 shows the relevant factors affecting costs and the main parties involved

5. Analysis of the benefits of self-medication Annual savings in an enlarged Europe

6. Analysis of the benefits of self-medication illness seen versus costs incurred Encouraging a shift to self-care would have the effect of transferring costs through each level

7. 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 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. THE ECONOMIC AND PUBLIC HEALTH VALUE OF SELF-MEDICATION