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October 26, 2007They do it in Europe.Kathleen Johnson explains why the FDA is considering creating a new class of "behind the counter" drugs that "consumers could buy after consultation with a pharmacist." The practice is already widespread in Europe. Other countries, including Britain, already use this system to dispense drugs that do not require sophisticated diagnosis and prescription. In 2006, the FDA set the stage for such a system when it allowed pharmacists to sell emergency contraception in the United States to patients over 18 on a behind-the-counter basis. Other medication proposed for this category include drugs for migraine headache and ones that improve cholesterol levels. This is the logical next step in a progression to reduce the cost and improve access to health care in this country. This proposal would allow pharmacists to take on some tasks previously limited to physicians. Heavy lobbying by physician organizations at the federal and state levels has led to restrictive "scope-of-practice" rules that can't be justified on a clinical basis. Bring it on. By moving more health care management out of expensive doctor's offices and into community settings and retail clinics, we can offer consumers more health care access at lower prices. Posted by Paul Howard at October 26, 2007 02:44 PM CommentsPost a comment |
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