‘Pharmacist only’ medicines

While there is a global trend to switch medicines from prescription to non-prescription status, Australia has created a unique schedule of ‘pharmacist only medicines’ (POM). Such medicines may provide consumers with greater choice and control of health care decisions. However, the impact of these actions has not been evaluated. Public health concerns including the appropriate use of medicines, awareness and equity of access to POM, and access to information on POM are discussed using antifungal vaginal products as an example. The National Medicines Policy advocates a partnership approach to achieve improved health outcomes by the quality use of medicines, however currently no data on POM are available. Recommendations include changes to legislation, public health data collection and the provision of quality information including pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical interventions.