Misuse of Over-the-Counter Medicines: Drugs Are Not Candies
Self-medication is a common strategy among Czechs when dealing with minor health issues. However, many patients are unaware that even over-the-counter (OTC) drugs can be harmful if misused. The State Institute for Drug Control (SÚKL), together with other European medicines regulatory authorities, has launched the awareness campaign “Medicines Are Not Candies” to educate the public on responsible use of non-prescription medicines.
How Does the Public Perceive OTC Drugs?
Over-the-counter medicines can be purchased not only in pharmacies but also online, in drugstores, at petrol stations, and other outlets.
According to a German survey, less than half of patients who use OTC medicines always read the package leaflet. Up to 45% skip it if they believe they already know the drug or consider it very safe. Topical preparations or herbal medicines are regarded as low-risk products by most respondents (83–97%).
Self-Medication in the Czech Republic
A 2011 survey of a representative sample of 1,797 Czechs aged 15+ found that 54% always try self-medication before seeing a doctor, and 31% do so occasionally.
Only 15% said they would see a doctor for every health problem. A quarter reported daily use of one OTC medicine, 13% took two, and 7% three or more OTC drugs. More than 10% never read the package leaflet.
Incorrect Use
A 2021 systematic review of 14 cross-sectional studies reported the prevalence of OTC misuse as high as 59% (range 3.1–59%, pooled prevalence 16.2%).
The most common issues involved misuse or abuse of analgesics, sedating antihistamines, cough medicines containing dextromethorphan, antidiarrheal drugs, decongestants, and laxatives. However, study methodologies varied widely.
Europe-Wide Campaign
The Europe-wide campaign “Medicines Are Not Candies” targets consumers who occasionally use OTC drugs such as painkillers, nasal sprays, antacids, or cough remedies. It was developed under the umbrella of the Heads of Medicines Agencies (HMA), a network of EU regulators, and in mid-September SÚKL launched the Czech version.
The campaign promotes three key recommendations: always read the package leaflet, respect the maximum recommended duration of use, and consult a doctor if symptoms persist.
SÚKL has already released several short videos on social media encouraging patients to pay attention to correct use, dosage, and potential side effects of OTC medicines.
“Medicines help only when used correctly. It is essential that every patient realizes that even over-the-counter drugs have risks and limitations. They are not candies—their effects and risks depend on dosage, duration, individual health conditions, and interactions with other drugs,” said SÚKL Director Tomáš Boráň.
The campaign is aimed not only at OTC users themselves but also at parents of children and caregivers of vulnerable individuals.
Editorial Team, Medscope.pro
Sources:
1. Barrenberg E., Garbe E. Use of over-the-counter (OTC) drugs and perceptions of OTC drug safety among German adults. Eur J Clin Pharmacol 2015; 71 (11): 1389–1396. doi: 10.1007/s00228-015-1929-5.
2. Kostriba J., Kotlarova J., Vlcek J. Opinions and attitudes of Czech citizens on selected issues of drugs in society. Acta Pol Pharm 2015; 72 (5): 1027–1038.
3. Algarni M., Hadi M. A., Yahyouche A. et al. A mixed-methods systematic review of the prevalence, reasons, associated harms and risk-reduction interventions of OTC medicines misuse, abuse and dependence in adults. J Pharm Policy Pract 2021; 14 (1): 76. doi: 10.1186/s40545-021-00350-7.
4. Medicines are not sweets: European campaign promoting responsible use of over-the-counter medicines. Heads of Medicines Agencies 2025. Available at: hma.eu
5. “Medicines Are Not Candies” campaign launched in the Czech Republic. SÚKL September 15, 2025. Available at: sukl.gov.cz
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