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One third of the population over 15 years old consumed medications without prescription in 2025
Science
Medicine

One third of the population over 15 years old consumed medications without prescription in 2025

Correio da Manhã15 September 2026 at 14:40

One third of the Portuguese population over 15 years old consumed medications without a medical prescription during the year 2025. This data represents a significant trend in self-medication behavior in the country.

The phenomenon particularly affects the age group between 15 and 34 years old, where the highest consumption of non-prescription medications is recorded. This demographic group presents a higher rate of self-purchased pharmaceuticals compared to the general population.

Regarding prescribed medications, the pattern reverses, with older age groups showing greater consumption of drugs obtained through medical prescription.

Why this matters

Readers may identify with this reality of medication consumption without prescription, especially young people between 15 and 34 years old who represent the most vulnerable group to this practice. The article warns about the health risks associated with self-medication, encouraging consultation with professionals before taking medications.

About this summary

This is our short summary of a report published by Correio da Manhã on 15 September 2026 at 14:40; the full text stays with the publisher. In our feed it sits under Science. We currently carry 4696 items in that section.

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