European Health Chiefs Launch 'Medicines Are Not Sweets' Campaign Targeting Over-the-Counter Drug Safety

European medicines authorities have launched their first joint public awareness campaign urging citizens across the EU, including Ireland, to use over-the-counter medicines more responsibly. The initiative targets common medications available without prescription, from painkillers to cough syrups.

The Heads of Medicines Agencies (HMA) unveiled the "medicines are not sweets" campaign on 15 September 2025, emphasising a crucial message for anyone who occasionally reaches for everyday medications.

Campaign Message

The joint message from European medicines authorities is clear:

"Read the leaflet, follow the instructions, and use over-the-counter medicines wisely." The campaign aims to raise awareness among European citizens about the importance of proper use of over-the-counter medicines.

The initiative focuses on medications readily available in Irish pharmacies, supermarkets and chemists: painkillers, nasal sprays, antacids and cough syrups. These treatments, whilst accessible without prescription, carry genuine risks when used incorrectly.

Understanding Over-the-Counter Risks

Over-the-counter medicines serve millions of Europeans dealing with mild complaints such as headaches, fever or cold symptoms. However, no medicine is without risk. Incorrect usage can trigger unpleasant side effects or, in some cases, lead to addiction.

The campaign emphasises the importance of reading patient information leaflets carefully and following instructions, just as with any medicine. It underscores essential steps for safer use: reading the leaflet, adhering to recommended maximum duration of use, and consulting a doctor if symptoms persist.

European Cooperation on Medicine Safety

This marks the first collaborative public health campaign launched by the HMA, a network of national authorities across Europe responsible for medicine registration. Since the use of over-the-counter medicines crosses borders, European countries have joined forces in this initiative.

The HMA works closely with the European Medicines Agency and the European Commission to ensure the safety, quality and effectiveness of medicines across the European Economic Area.

For Irish consumers, this campaign reinforces existing guidance from healthcare professionals who regularly encounter complications from improper over-the-counter medicine usage. The timing proves particularly relevant as autumn approaches, when many people increase their use of cold and flu remedies available without prescription from local pharmacies and shops across Cork and beyond.

European health authorities remind the public to treat all medications with appropriate caution and seek professional advice when uncertain about proper usage, duration or potential interactions with other treatments.