Self-medication in Italy is a growing phenomenon, especially regarding the propensity of Italians to heal itself. 64% of the population (Census 2007) believes it can cure small problems independently. To greater awareness contributes periodicals, newspapers, television and radio broadcasts, Internet sites that help to achieve greater awareness and a less passive and more interactive with the doctor and pharmacist.

Moreover hand the-counter drugs are an important resource for maintaining the welfare and successfully treat the little annoyances of everyday. But must be used properly and with intelligence. It is not always easy because, despite the huge amount of information on health, few of us have very complete information on responsible products. So much so that it runs the risk of “DIY” or you choose medicines based on word of mouth anything but “scientific”.

Two bad habits that can be very dangerous for citizens, instead, should always be recommended by the pharmacist. Was created to fill this gap by providing scientific information precise and clear, the book “Self-medication for the family - small diseases, treatments and medications over the counter”, edited by Stefano Govoni and Adele LUCCHELLI, pharmacologists, Department of Experimental and Applied Pharmacology of ‘University of Pavia and by Pierluigi Diano, a general practitioner and journalist.

The guide aims to accompany the families in the management of small illnesses and ailments can be treated with OTC drugs. The manual (reach at least 400,000 Italian families) is available in pharmacies throughout Italy and will only be given directly to the pharmacist and free. A significant change of hands of those who “know the drugs” and who “should know better.” The hope of Giorgio Siri, president of Federfarma, is that the book “Self-medication for the family to enter the homes, in many homes, and are consulted when it is useful and not only.

“Especially in this time when the interests of various kinds to push a trivialization of the drug to be considered like any other commodity. In interest of citizens to learn to deal with growing awareness of their health and use medicines from self-medication responsibly, avoiding mistakes or abuse. The book aims to respond to this need. “

As underscored in Professor Stefano Govoni, Department of Experimental and Applied Pharmacology’s University of Pavia, “the book is a guide that speaks exclusively of small ailments and diseases that can be treated with drugs over the counter. A book that should become a beacon for those who want to learn more about these products, if you intend to use them, or those already using them or simply have them available in the medicine. Adds Professor Adele LUCCHELLI, Department of Experimental and Applied Pharmacology’s University of Pavia:

“Knowing better medication helps to avoid excesses and the side effects. We often speak of them as well as the cost that this entails for human health and the health service, but you almost never say that many of these episodes are dependent on the misuse of products. Everything depends on the lack of information about it. Finally, Pierluigi Diano, a general practitioner, affirms the importance of increased awareness by patients on the need to distinguish the small disturbances from the symptoms of a real disease, from medical attention.

It appears, in fact, that an approximate “DIY” drug of frequent, even if symptoms are serious, in about 6% of cases. It is therefore appropriate to have a fair amount of knowledge to help you, but should never be lacking common sense that, no doubt, leads to rely on advice from your doctor or pharmacist.