In Australia, many common non-prescription medicines used to treat minor ailments can be bought only from pharmacies. Some argue that pharmacy restrictions on non-prescription medicines are justified because professional advice is necessary to protect people who are caring for themselves against the risk of using their medicines incorrectly. If consumers were to purchase medicines currently restricted to pharmacies from supermarkets or convenience stores, they would be denied advice on these medicines and on their appropriate use. Inevitably, however, the consumer pays a price for pharmacy restrictions.