Why are some drugs changed from prescription to non-prescription or over-the-counter (OTC)?
Some drugs are initially approved as over-the-counter drugs. More often, however, medications are first approved as prescription drugs and then later switched. Drugs are commonly switched one of two ways: under an OTC drug review, or by a manufacturer’s submission of additional information to the original drug application. When considering a prescription to OTC switch, the key question that must be answered is whether the drug can benefit consumers without endangering their safety. Nonprescription or OTC drugs are considered safe for consumers to use if they can easily follow the directions and warnings on the label.
Related Questions
- If I fill a prescription and pay a co-pay or cost share while also purchasing over-the-counter (OTC) drugs at the same time, will both automatically rollover to my health care spending account?
- Why are some drugs changed from prescription to non-prescription or over-the-counter (OTC)?
- Are manufactures of OTC (over-the-counter) drugs exempt?
