Minor health problems are a major health problem globally, affecting millions of people around the world, every day. Self-medication is a common practice worldwide and the use of over-the-counter (OTC) medicines is the first resource to treat minor health problems (like fever, headaches, etc.). In parallel, access to the internet and other information technologies is increasing worldwide. People search for online health information, mostly about symptoms and treatments, including medicines. In addition, purchase of medicines through online platforms is steadily increasing. These facts contribute to easier and faster access to information and also to OTC medicines directly leading to an increase in self-care.
OTC medications don’t need a doctor’s prescription. This convenience to the consumer enables the direct purchase of medication, and is the prime driving force accelerating the growth of the OTC drug markets across the world. Moreover, certain factors have been instrumental in the growth of the market of OTC pharmaceuticals in the last 10 to 15 years. These factors are the increasing awareness about 1) medications required for minor health issues that do not need a visit to the doctor, 2) the savings enabled by the use of OTC drugs in the healthcare industry, affordability, innovation of drugs, 3) high acceptance and adoption in the emerging markets and the switch by major pharmaceutical companies from Rx to OTC with an objective to invest less and earn more.
Responsible self-care and self-medication can lead, beyond any doubt, to considerable savings for health systems (estimated in 11.5 thousand million euros, in Europe). We are addressing an emerging market opportunity. OTC medicines are increasingly consumed, presenting a steady market growth (data from 2014 shows the German market growing at 9%). 87% of US population has internet access and, from these, 72% search for health information. Extrapolating to Europe, we have a total of 318 M potential users. Purchase of medicines in online platforms is also increasing (currently representing 15% of total online sales, Europe).
Furthermore, responsible self-medication can lead to considerable savings for health systems (avoidance of use of health resources; use of non-reimbursed medicines; estimated, 11.5 thousand million euros of saving, Europe/year). However, like all pharmaceutical drugs, OTC medicines present contraindications, adverse effects and potential interactions with chronic diseases and/or medications. Adequate, effective and safe use of OTC medicines is, consequently, of clear importance for individuals, health systems and societies.
MEDimprove is an innovative service to support both healthcare professionals and patients on the process of managing minor health problems. Using a proprietary algorithm and according to patient’s profile, MEDimprove provides personalized self-care and self-medication recommendations. MEDimprove will provide patients an easy and trustworthy access to online health/medicines information and to personalized advice to treat minor health problems. MEDimprove also offers the possibility to safely buy medicines and other health products, online and with professional counselling.
