Prescription drugs to treat some of the most common chronic diseases, such as high cholesterol and diabetes, may become available over the counter under a plan being considered by U.S. regulators.
In what would be a major shift in policy if finalized, the Food and Drug Administration is seeking public comment until Friday on a way to make these medications more readily available. It will also have a meeting about the proposal at the end of March.
The goal is to ensure people take drugs as needed, while still understanding safety issues.
Experts say the unwillingness of people to take certain medications as prescribed has undermined effective treatment of conditions including high blood pressure, raising the cost of healthcare in the United States.
1 comment:
When they changed Prilosec (I think that's the one) from prescription to OTC consumers were outraged. When it was prescription most insurance plans covered it. When it became OTC consumers had to pay real money to get it.
I'm not sure it was actually Prilosec but it was a similar product and I'm sure you get the point.
Post a Comment