The “Basler Apothekenbeobachtungsstudie” (BABS) took place in 1995, 1997, 1999, 2002 and 2005. The aim of these observational studies was to collect data on the frequency and nature of prescriptions, direct requests, counselling and varia in community pharmacies in a representative sample of the region of Basel, Switzerland. In particular, analgesics were focused in all BABS-studies.