What Is SMI?
The New Zealand Self-Medication
Industry Association Inc (the ‘SMI’) is the national trade association
representing manufacturers, marketers and distributors of a wide range of
products, generally available “over-the-counter” (OTC) and mainly for use in
self-medication by consumers.
These industry products include
non-prescription (OTC) medicines, dietary supplements and any other
complementary healthcare product that meets New Zealand legislative
requirements.
What are self-medication products?
These include a wide range of medicines
better known as ‘Over-The-Counter’ or OTC medicines because New Zealand
consumers may purchase them ‘over-the-counter’ without a doctor’s
prescription.
Depending upon the classification of
the medicine, consumers can expect to receive additional professional advice
primarily from a qualified pharmacist.
Before marketing, these medicines have
been subject to an evaluation process by Medsafe (part of the Ministry of
Health) to ensure that safety, quality and effectiveness criteria have been
met. Label claims which may form the basis of subsequent consumer
advertising are also subject to scrutiny before these products can receive
‘consent to market’ by the regulatory authority.
OTC medicines assist in the containment
of health care costs.
They provide a familiar, cost-effective
and convenient method of dealing with the symptoms of well-recognised
ailments through self-medication.
Characteristics of OTC Medicines
These medicines are characterised by
their..
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common colds, coughs, flu’, sore
throat, and other respiratory infections |
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nasal congestion |
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pain, including headaches,
muscular/ joint aches and pains, period pain, migraine
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upset stomach, indigestion,
diarrhoea and constipation
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hay fever, sinus conditions
and allergies
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hair and scalp conditions
|
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insect bites and stings
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corns, warts and callouses
|
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cold sore and chilblains
|
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vaginal thrush
|
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foot infections
|
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minor eye and ear problems
|
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gum/teething conditions
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acne and other skin conditions
|
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minor cuts and scratches
|
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worm infestations
|
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platelet aggregation
inhibition
|
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smoking cessation
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An increasingly important product
sector for self-medication are those that either help maintain good health
or enhance the general well-being and health status of consumers.
These include dietary supplements,
vitamin and mineral products and other complementary healthcare products and
sun protection products that have recognised benefits and can substantiate
claims for their effectiveness.
Personal Responsibility
The process of self-medication as part
of self care is consistent with the desire of consumers to take greater
responsibility for their own health.
Self-medication has become an integral
part of health care systems worldwide and self-medication products are
recognised as an essential part of health care delivery.
