FDA considers making more drugs available over the counter

A prescription to buy Lipitor may soon no longer be necessary. The Food and Drug Administration has announced that it is considering adjusting its regulatory practices to make certain cholesterol and diabetes medications available over the counter.

In announcing the potential move, agency officials said that many common conditions are undertreated, despite the fact that medications that have been proven safe can effectively help individuals improve their health.

One reason for this undertreatment may be the fact that patients must have several interactions with healthcare providers just to get prescriptions for their medications. Obtaining an initial prescription requires a visit to the doctor. Filling the order involves going to a pharmacy and waiting for the workers to clear the prescriptions. Refills can require further office visits.

However, making more drugs available over the counter could alleviate this problem and make it easier for patients to get the medications they need. The proposal would only apply to medications that have a proven history of safety and efficacy. It would not apply to more intensive drugs that may carry dangerous side effects.