WSMI publishes new booklet on “Prescription to Nonprescription Switch”
October 2009

‘Switching’ is the conversion of safe and effective prescription medicines to nonprescription status. The switching of prescription medicines to nonprescription status is increasingly a subject of interest to patients and all health stakeholders worldwide. In a new 50-page booklet entitled ‘Prescription To Nonprescription Medicines Switch’, WSMI explains how switching products to nonprescription status increases access to safe and effective medicines which patients can use without always having to go to a healthcare professional.
The World Health Organization, country governments, health professionals and patients’ organizations increasingly recognize the important role of self-care and responsible self-medication with safe and effective nonprescription medicines in healthcare systems, not least in the prevention of the coming global epidemic of chronic non-communicable diseases.
Switching more products to nonprescription status will give people the tools to take better care of themselves through self-care and positively contribute to building an environment conducive of public health. The booklet is available in English and in Spanish .