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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.

Safety of metamizole superior to comparable OTC analgesics


Abstract: A meta-analysis involving 20,643 people looked at the risk of side effects after a single dose of metamizole and other non-opioid analgesics. The focus was on serious to potentially life-threatening side effects. Agranulocytosis, for example, is one of the most feared risks associated with metamizole use. Metamizole, at any dose, was found to be a safe drug with even fewer side effects t ...

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Author: Waltraud Stromer, PhD, Paula Fontanilla and Beata Cywińska-DurczakEFSM: 2025;5:250017DOI: 10.52778/efsm.25.0017Date: 04.09.2025

Self-medication in women with androgenetic alopecia

Pharmacy practice and scientific evidence


Abstract: Androgenetic alopecia causes hair thinning in the vertex region, which may significantly impair quality of life. A survey of 2,579 pharmacy employees highlights the importance of self-medication for affected women. Nutritional supplements containing amino acids and vitamins demonstrate favourable study results in vitro and in vivo.

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Author: Dr Mira Jakobs and Dr Christiane KolbEFSM: 2025;5:250015DOI: 10.52778/efsm.25.0015Date: 15.07.2025

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

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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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