It is a certainty:self-medication is an increasingly popular choice for the French, even if we remain far behind certain European neighbors (the English in particular). Indeed, in 2016, according to a report by Afipa (the French Association of the Pharmaceutical Industry for responsible self-medication), the sale of non-prescription and non-reimbursed drugs is clearly on the rise. Last year, it would have increased by 3.3%, while the total selfcare market (including drugs, medical devices and non-prescription food supplements) was up 4.8%. In total, 80% of French people claim to practice self-medication and 92% consider it effective*.
Among the reasons that explain the choice of self-medication, several reasons recur*:knowing the appropriate treatment for the symptoms (72%), the desire to seek treatment quickly (66%), the desire to avoid useless to Health Insurance (30%), the wish to save a consultation with the doctor or the lack of time to do so (24 and 23%) and even the lack of confidence in the medical profession or the absence of desire to talk about symptoms (3% each). However, self-medication remains a market with strong seasonality, since it experiences a remarkable peak in winter. And on the side of health professionals, what do we think? For doctors and pharmacists alike, this is a strong trend and one that is seen to be on the rise for years to come. While they agree** that, without supervision, self-medication can be dangerous (for 95% of pharmacists and 94% of physicians), they also find that the practice is effective in reducing healthcare costs, relieving doctor's offices and allow doctors to focus on serious or chronic health problems.
Clearly, self-medication, yes, but on condition of being accompanied by a health professional who can answer our questions. Are you already a fan?
* according to a study carried out by 60 Million Consumers in December 2015.
** according to an Ipsos study of December 2016.
