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Self-medication is an important pillar of healthcare

… and as with treatment prescribed by a doctor, it should be undertaken on the basis of the available evidence. Evidence for Self-Medication (EfSM) presents compact reviews of relevant studies on OTC medicines and active substances in order to enable pharmacists and other healthcare professionals to provide the best possible – and evidence-based – advice on self-medication. 

 

All EfSM articles have been peer-reviewed. They are available in German and English, and some of them in other languages ​​as well.

Dexibuprofen meets the recommendation criteria of the headache guideline


Abstract: Dexibuprofen, the active enantiomer of ibuprofen, acts faster and causes less stress on the body compared to ibuprofen. It effectively relieves acute somatic and visceral pain. Thus, it meets the guideline criteria: good evidence, high safety profile and patient acceptance with minimized side effects.

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Author: Barbara StaufenbielEFSM: 2025;5:250013DOI: 10.52778/efsm.25.0013Date: 08.06.2025

Expert consensus on defining and managing occasional constipation

A comparative analysis


Abstract: Occasional constipation (OC) is prevalent but under-recognized and needs clearer guidance on evaluation and treatment. This review compares two recent expert perspectives on OC, proposing a unified, patient-centered definition. Integrating patient self-assessment and expert consensus will help pharmacists in recommending effective over-the-counter therapies, thus improving patient self-m ...

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Author: Maura Corsetti, Epainete Gawa and Brian E. LacyEFSM: 2025;5:250003DOI: 10.52778/efsm.25.0003Date: 10.04.2025

Complex pharmaceutical Traumeel® S (Tr14) improves the resolution of inflammation


Abstract: The resolution of inflammation has to date been explained by the disappearance of inflammatory messenger substances, the production of which is suppressed by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). The latest studies, however, show that the resolution of inflammation is an actively controlled process, involving specialised pro-resolving mediators. Their formation is promoted by t ...

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Author: Paul M. Jordan and Oliver WerzEFSM: 2025;5:250001DOI: 10.52778/efsm.25.0001Date: 05.02.2025

How community pharmacists facilitate optimal constipation self-management


Constipation, a common ailment, often finds its first line of management at a community pharmacy. As the relevance of self-medication increases, pharmacists play a pivotal role in patient education, primary consultation, and evidence-based treatment recommendations. A crucial aspect of this role is offering relief while recognizing when to suggest additional medical consultation [1].

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Author: Christian Ude, Eric Martin, Dilhan Esen and Daniel PohlEFSM: 2024;4:240053DOI: 10.52778/efsm.24.0053Date: 21.12.2024

Acetylsalicylic acid 1,000 mg: strong evidence and good tolerability in acute headache management


Headaches are most prevalent in middle age and not only have an immediate impact on the quality of life of those affected but also significantly influence their work and overall productivity. The majority of sufferers manage acute headaches through self-medication. National and international guidelines recommend acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) as a first-line treatment, with the scientific evidence for ...

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Author: Jens SeibelEFSM: 2024;4:240051DOI: 10.52778/efsm.24.0051Date: 17.10.2024

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Featured article

Self-management of constipation – how pharmacies can improve it


First-line treatment of constipation often begins in a community pharmacy. A decision algorithm supports pharmacists in providing evidence-based advice.

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