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More than half of the 630 medicine users and carers who responded to a survey reported that they search the internet for information about medicines. And more than half of these actually change their treatment or the management of their condition as a result of the information they find online.

The survey, commissioned by the online medicines information company Datapharm, was publicised through voluntary health organisations such as Macmillan Cancer Support, Arthritis UK, Diabetes UK, National Osteoporosis Society, MS Trust, Parkinson’s UK, Rethink and Epilepsy Action.

62% of people who responded said they wanted to know as much as possible about the medicines they take, and 55% of people wanted more information than they currently had. The information they most want is information about side effects, interactions, and whether it’s the best medicine available for their needs.
What patients and carers do with the information they find online is significant. For two thirds (65%) of those who found medicines information on the internet, there was a discussion with a healthcare professional as a result. Almost a quarter of people changed their treatment as a result, and over a third changed the management of their condition.

“What this survey indicates is that the information people find on the internet is very influential on their medicine taking behaviour,” says Lawrence Berry, Chief Executive of Datapharm. “Online medicines information is increasing interaction between the public and health professionals.”
“The traditional idea of the doctor/prescriber deciding what medicines people take is outdated, so it is hugely important that the information people find is not only useful to them but up to date and accurate.”

“If people start taking a medicine that is wrong for them, or that they don’t understand properly, they often stop taking it,” says Melinda Letts, Chair of Parkinson’s UK and a founding director of Ask About Medicines. “If people have good information about medicines, they can have informed conversations with their healthcare professionals and this will help ensure that they get the most out of any medicines they decide to use.”

For more information, contact Eve Laird, Director of Communications, Datapharm on elaird@medicines.org.uk

www.datapharm.org.uk