Access to non-prescription medicines via vending machines: key considerations to help transfer the self-care concept to the next generation while managing safety risks

Objectives: Non-prescription vending machines are automated self-service systems that are increasingly used to dispense these medicines. Whilst regulatory health academics have devoted considerable attention to non-pharmacy medication outlets in Gulf Cooperation Council countries and others, the public health literature on these vending machines remains lacking. Whilst non-prescription vending machines undoubtedly provide a number of benefits, they are not without their risks, which include polypharmacy and medication interactions. Methods: The purpose of this article is to provide a framework for further investigation of the function, advantages, and practical constraints of non-prescription vending machines. Key findings: Overall, more research is required to determine the optimal balance between achieving the benefits of non-prescription vending machines whilst avoiding unnecessary constraints on regulatory bodies and vending machine providers but minimizing patient harm. Conclusions: Further studies are also required to assess the consequences of these policy experiments. Specifically, there is a need to better understand the extent to which vending machines can provide beneficial and reasonable access to non-prescription medicines to enhance the quality of life of the population especially during pandemics.