FDA mulls behind-the-counter drug sales

Thu, 04 Oct 2007 06:59:57 -0400

Once, the gap between prescription drugs and over-the-counter sales was a wide No Man's Land where few products roamed. Now, the FDA may settle more medications in this country, known as behind-the-counter (BTC) sales, in part to improve access for the uninsured.

The agency is seeking public comment on the potential move, which would allow patients to buy certain remedies after consultation with a pharmacist. Though the FDA won't cite specific meds that might be included, experts cite birth control pills and cholesterol-lowering remedies as possibilities.

- see the AP article

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After controversy, Plan B sales strong

Thu, 23 Aug 2007 06:59:55 -0400

Like Madonna, the Plan B has faced its share of controversy. Like Hilary Clinton, it's attracted more than its share of political sniping. Like both, it's risen undeterred. Since Plan B was approved for over-the-counter administration last August, sales of the pill have skyrocketed to $80 million for 2007, double the 2006 figure and eight times greater than 2004's. Its manufacturer, Barr Pharmaceuticals, says it's pleased.

Perhaps Barr fears that crowing too loudly about the pill's sales growth will only intensify critics' attempts to overturn the ruling that legalized OTC sales to customers at least 18 years old. A coalition of conservative groups have filed suit against the FDA to do just that. But advocacy groups are just as active, and they want everyone to be able to buy Plan B, regardless of age.

- read the report from The Washington Post

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