Safety of the patients using OTC drugs : is there a need for the change? : a study of the pharmacists and pharmacy students views

Introduction: The rich assortment of over the counter drugs (OTC) in Poland and their advertising contributes to the increasing the purchase of OTC preparations. Aim: To investigate the opinions of pharmacists and pharmacy students on the safety of use of OTC drugs by patients. Method: The survey study among the pharmacists and pharmacy students. Respondents assessed safety of OTC drugs, the possibility of the introduction of the new drug category "dispensed only by pharmacist" for some OTC drugs as well as the necessity for development of algorithms supporting dispensing OTC drug. Results: 146 questionnaires were analyzed. 89% of the respondents find it necessary to create procedures increasing patient’s safety. 61% respondents supported the idea of new regulation: "issued only by pharmacist". The respondents pointed to the need to implement algorithms that facilitate pharmacy counseling. Conclusions: Pharmacists are aware of threat to health by OTC drugs and want the situation to change.