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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.

Headache treatment with the fixed dose combination ibuprofen plus caffeine (400/100 mg)

Results from a pharmacy-based patient survey


Headache affects many people and can – in most cases – be successfully treated with over-the-counter analgesics. What are the patients’ characteristics? How do they experience the effects of the treatment with ibuprofen plus caffeine (400/100 mg; IbuCaff)? How does the treatment response to IbuCaff compare with other treatments? A pharmacy-based patient survey run in German community pharmaci ...

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Author: Thomas Weiser, PhDEFSM: 2024;4:240019DOI: 10.52778/efsm.24.0019Date: 23.03.2024

In vitro tests allow a better understanding of the therapeutic effects of commercialized probiotic …


The gut microbiome is unique to each person and has a major impact on health. Orally administered probiotics are used to prevent and/or treat gastrointestinal (GI) disorders and additionally show potential in the treatment of non-GI conditions. In vitro studies lead to a better understanding of the biological properties of therapeutically used microorganisms and the positive effects they can have ...

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Author: Paolo Pellegrino, MD, Maria Chiara Uboldi, PhD, Daniel Marquez and Marcos III PerezEFSM: 2024;4:240013DOI: 10.52778/efsm.24.0013Date: 05.03.2024

Burden of impaired vitality in the general population and potential nutritional solution


A recent study based on the National Health and Wellness Survey, the world’s largest online database of patient-reported health outcomes, found that low vitality negatively impacts quality of life, daily activities and productivity. While dietary supplement solutions exist to prevent fatigue, the study also showed that people disengaged in self-managing their health have the lowest vitality level.

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Author: Anne-Laure Tardy, Lionel Noah, Thamiris Tavares and Caroline AmandEFSM: 2024;4:240008DOI: 10.52778/efsm.24.0008Date: 27.02.2024

Managing magnesium deficiency: Strategies for diagnosis and treatment


Magnesium (Mg) plays a vital role in maintaining bodily functions; in consequence, its deficiency has been linked to various chronic diseases. Diagnosis of Mg deficiency is challenging due to the absence of specific symptoms and its impact on health. Raising awareness to healthcare professionals can facilitate accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. This review delves into the role of M ...

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Author: Katarzyna Wielgus, Milana Dan and Thamiris TavaresEFSM: 2024;4:240001DOI: 10.52778/efsm.24.0001Date: 22.02.2024

Omeprazole vs. Poliprotect®

Clinical trial demonstrating non-inferiority of Poliprotect for heartburn and epigastric pain in patients without erosive esophagitis


A randomised, controlled, multicentre, double-blind and double-masked study confirmed the efficacy of Poliprotect®, a molecular complex of natural ingredients designed for the protection of the gastroesophageal mucosa, contained in the medicinal product NeoBianacid®. Poliprotect was non-inferior to the standard dose of omeprazole (20 mg/day) in the treatment of symptoms of non-erosive gastroe ...

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Author: Frederick HerbstEFSM: 2023;3:230055DOI: 10.52778/efsm.23.0055Date: 17.12.2023

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Featured article

Real-world data demonstrate added value of cineole over nasal spray monotherapy for rhinosinusitis


In rhinosinusitis, taking cineole capsules on their own or combined with other drugs can improve quality of life better than monotherapy with decongestant nasal sprays.

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