‘Medicines are not sweets!’ campaign

EU/EEA national medicines agencies have launched their first joint campaign for the proper use of over-the-counter medicines. 

Over-the-counter (OTC) medicines can be purchased without a prescription in a pharmacy or supermarket, allowing people to relieve symptoms and treat minor illnesses without needing to visit a doctor's office to get a prescription. 

The Heads of Medicines Agencies (HMA) for the European Economic Area warn that, like any other medication, OTC medicines can carry risks and side effects and should therefore be used responsibly.

While acknowledging that they can play an important role in self-care, the agencies urge people to read the package leaflet and make sure that they follow the guidance. If in doubt, they should ask a healthcare professional. 

In a LinkedIn post, the HMA writes that a painkiller, nasal spray, or cough syrup might seem harmless, but its incorrect use could lead to unpleasant side effects or even addiction. They say that the aim isn’t to scare people, “it's about empowering you with the knowledge to stay safe.”

The campaign outlines three essential steps for safer medicine use: “Read the leaflet: It's not just extra paper—it's your user manual. Follow the instructions: Stick to the right dose and duration. Use (over-the-counter) medicines wisely. And when in doubt, seek the advice of any healthcare professional!”

The HMA works closely with the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and the European Commission on regulation and national implementation.