Finland considers over-the-counter medication sales outside pharmacies

A report from a working group under Finland’s Ministry of Social Affairs and Health suggests that several common over-the-counter medications could potentially be sold outside of pharmacies. This shift would depend on ensuring medication safety and implementing changes in a controlled manner. The working group emphasizes that safe usage of many self-care medications requires access to pharmaceutical advice. This is particularly critical for so-called medium-risk self-care medicines, which include medications for diarrhea, constipation, colds, and allergies.

Currently common painkillers such as ibuprofen and paracetamol are classified as risk medications, and allowing their sale outside pharmacies would only be feasible once sufficient knowledge regarding their use is ensured. The report highlights that both ibuprofen and paracetamol should be available at the same sales point, as some customers might prefer only one over the other.

Expanding the sale of vitamins and artificial tears outside pharmacies could be the easiest change, as their safe use generally doesn’t require pharmaceutical consultation. These products are already available in stores as dietary supplements or medical devices.

The proposal for an extensive expansion in the sale of self-care medications may also involve implementing centralized remote counseling services, which would necessitate legislative changes. Currently, medication advice is tied to physical pharmacies, as existing laws do not recognize centralized pharmaceutical advice as an option.

The government aims to enhance the availability and price competition of some commonly used self-care medications, with a proposition planned for presentation to parliament in fall 2025. The decision-making timeline will ultimately rely on political processes. A comprehensive reform of pharmacy regulations is also being prepared, which may coincide with the proposed change in self-care medication sales.