A national survey from the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) of 1,000 adults, has revealed trends that suggest Irish consumers are changing the ways in which they access information on medicines.
One in four (26%) of adults admit that they never read product information for an over the counter medicine, with a further one in five (21%) never reading information for a prescription only medicine – a rise from 14% and 12% respectively in 2010.
The survey, which examines consumer attitudes towards a number of medicine related topics, also highlights the increasing influence of the internet with four out of ten people (43%) using it to source information on health issues.
However, consistent with previous HPRA surveys, the findings show that GPs and pharmacists continue to be far and away the most trusted sources of advice on medicines.
The survey also reveals that almost one third (31%) of Irish adults take medication on a long-term basis. The findings also show that more Irish women (33%) state they are on long term treatments compared to men (29%).
Those on long treatments are typically taking at least two medicines, while some 16% admit to never reading the product information that comes with their prescription medication.
CONFIDENCE IN GENERIC MEDICINES
The HPRA research shows a substantial growth in confidence and understanding of generic medicines, with two out of three people (60%) citing familiarity with these products.
This represents a decidedly marked improvement on awareness levels since 2013 when under half (48%) stated awareness and in 2010 when the corresponding figure was just 36%.
Not only has awareness of generics risen in recent years, consumption levels have also seen a corresponding rise – over four in ten (44%) Irish adults state they have taken a generic medicine; (33% in 2013) with nine out of ten people (88%) stating they had a positive experience.
INTERNET
The influence of internet as a channel of information is significant with one in four (24%) people using it to specifically source information on medicines and this rises to four out of ten (43%) using it for information on wider health matters.
Importantly, the research highlights that for those who use the internet as a source of information, two out of three (62%) say it influences their actual choice of medicine or treatment (an increase from 49% in 2010): Seven out of 10 (70%) use it to research a particular health problem (2010: 56%); Almost half (46%) research types of medicines for particular conditions (2010: 33%), while four of ten (39%) use the interest to diagnose their symptoms (2010: 30%).
Consumers seeking to purchase medicines online remains low, with 2% (representing circa 70,000 adults) saying they have purchased medicines online. The top three reasons being cited are lower price; convenience and greater privacy.
However, some 8% of adults (circa 267,000 adults) state they would consider purchasing medication online in the future.
Whilst, the authenticity and safety of prescription medicines available via the internet is a concern for two thirds of adults (66%) surveyed, almost one third of all adults (28%) are surprised to know that it is illegal to purchase prescription medicines online.
