Ireland launching Self-Medication campaign
October 2007

A campaign educating people about managing minor ailments has been launched in Ireland by the Irish Pharmaceutical Healthcare Association (IPHA) and the Irish Pharmaceutical Union (IPU).

The month-long campaign, which got underway at the end of September, is designed to inform people about self-treating minor ailments effectively, using nonprescription medicines correctly, and seeking advice from a pharmactist or general practicioner when that is the appropriate course of action.

The central message for the campaign is that it takes just four steps to help people feel better, faster:

• Read the instructions on medicines carefully
• Ask your pharmacist if you have questions
• Always take the correct dose
• Check the expiry date on the medicine

The campaign includes a website at www.feelbetter.ie., a consumer information leaflet entitled 'Feel better - A guide to managing your minor ailments effectively', and information packs containing fridge magnets and posters highlighting the four steps.