Medicines: 84% of French people trust the leaflet

If we are to believe the results of the Societal Observatory published for the 4^th For the first time, confidence in drugs in France has fallen sharply for the first time in a consecutive year by the professional organization bringing together drug companies. Indeed, this survey carried out by Ipsos shows an erosion of the confidence of the French, with a concrete drop of 12 points between 2013 and 2014 (87% against 75%). “The results of the Societal Medicines Observatory are a warning signal for all players in the health system, because confidence in medicines is a collective construction”, explains Leem in a press release. Accumulation of health crises, lack of information or transparency from the authorities, several factors can explain this crisis of confidence, however this survey also highlights the confidence of the French towards their doctors and more surprisingly towards the information leaflet contained in the medications.

The leaflet plays an important role in reassuring patients

This Observatory obviously shows that the safety of molecules is at the center of the concerns of the French. For example, side effects alone concentrate a large part of their worry: only 47% consider that they are better controlled, a drop of 11 points compared to 2013. Finally, 23% of adults believe that the level of security has declined and 76% say they are poorly informed on the subject. In this context of mistrust, this survey reveals that the information leaflet plays an important role in patient reinsurance. First of all, in terms of information on medicines, 84% say they trust it and 15% even completely trust it, while only 52% trust the public authorities and 34% % to the written press for example. Moreover to the question, “Do you read the instructions when you buy for the 1^time times a prescription drug? », And 76% of the people questioned say they do it systematically.

The attending physician, trusted contact N ° 1

Finally, if the French seem to be wary of politicians and the media more and more in matters of information on medicines, there remains in spite of everything an interlocutor in whom they declare to have an “almost blind” confidence, it is the doctor. treating. Indeed, 94% of respondents say they trust him on the subject. In addition, other health professionals also display a very high confidence index. Thus 89% of people trust nurses and 87% pharmacists. Finally, even if they are not part of the local health professions, the researchers still collect 87% of the votes. “In terms of drugs, public authorities have lost credibility and whistleblowers, even if they are obviously necessary, are more listened to by the public”, supports Philippe Lamoureux, general manager of Leem. Finally, for the manufacturers in the sector, it is clear that in view of the results of this survey, the French population shows a real need for education to which all the players in the drug industry must contribute.