1- Self-medication should be reserved for healthy adults to treat minor health problems.

2- Do not self-medicate infants and very young children, pregnant or breast-feeding women, or elderly people taking multiple medications.

3- When self-medicating, only treat a single symptom. For example, if you have a headache with vomiting or stiff neck, or diarrhea with fever, consult your doctor.

4- Practice simple self-medication, using a single-substance medication for a short period of time (maximum 5 days). If symptoms persist or worsen, consult your doctor.

5- Don't take unnecessary risks. ANY medication can cause more or less serious side effects. A healthy lifestyle and physical activity are better than drugs that are not always effective or harmless.

6- Ask your pharmacist or visit the French Ministry of Health website http://base-donnees-publique.medicaments.gouv.fr/ for more information on the drug before you buy it.

7- During a medical consultation, ALWAYS inform your doctor of any medication you are taking.

8- Avoid alcohol, which can alter the effectiveness or increase the undesirable effects of drugs.

9- Don't play the sorcerer's apprentice! Medication is not a harmless product: what worked for your best friend may be ineffective or even dangerous for you.

10- Keep the medicine in its original packaging with the package leaflet, away from light and moisture, and out of the reach of children.