[The role of health regulations in the rational use of medicines].

The Federal Commission for the Protection against Sanitary Risk (COFEPRIS by its initials in Spanish) is the state body responsible for transversely regulating various sectors of the Mexican economy, among them health services and inputs. Both cases are related to the rational use of medicines. The pharmaceutical policy of the Mexican Government is to prevent health risks by strengthening the effective and timely access to a market supplied with safe, effective, and quality products at the lowest possible prices. To date, the regulatory mechanisms used by COFEPRIS to ensure access to medicines and quality health services have been effective. With the implemented measures, self-medication has been reduced and medical services provided by pharmaceutical clinics comply with the best practices. Finally, the regulatory framework has been strengthened to fight the illegal drug market and "miracle" products. So far, the present administration has increased seizures of illegal substances and, as of today, all advertising guidelines for health-related products comply with the regulations.