Over-the-counter [OTC]

Life-cycle management activities begin as soon as a medicine receives authorisation from the regulatory authorities. Research on the medicine continues in order to gather additional data on safety and investigate other possible indications that the medicine might treat.

Information on medicinal products is provided to patients and healthcare providers in different, carefully regulated ways – including package labelling, package leaflets, and the Summary of Product Characteristics.

Risk communication is a two-way exchange of information on the risks and benefits of a medicine. Patients, companies, and health authorities all have important roles to play in risk communication and management.