Rx-To-OTC Switch Consumer Costs Study 'Flawed' - CHPA
This article was originally published in The Tan Sheet
Executive Summary
A new study finding Rx-to-OTC switches increase out-of-pocket consumer expenses represents a "flawed fundamental analysis" of drug pricing data and ignores the indirect benefits of OTCs and added costs consumers bear for insurance coverage of prescriptions, the Consumer Healthcare Products Association maintains.
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Switching Rx low- and non-sedating, second-generation antihistamines over-the-counter is unlikely to increase out-of-pocket costs for U.S. consumers based upon OTC pricing of the drugs in foreign countries, a health insurance rep told FDA June 29.
OTC advocates
Statin cholesterol-lowering drugs "have a long history of safe use, minimal side effects" and "could be used safely and responsibly in an OTC setting" to treat mild to moderately elevated cholesterol, the Interamerican College of Physicians & Surgeons tells FDA in comments leading up to the June 28-29 meetings on switch-related issues. FDA advisory committees will consider OTC status for the statin drugs Mevacor (Merck) and Pravachol (Bristol-Myers Squibb) July 13-14. Also, Blue Cross of California Pharmacy VP Robert Seidman plans to testify at the June meeting in favor of switching Rx antihistamines and antihistamine/decongestants, such as Hoechst Marion Roussel's Allegra, Schering-Plough's Claritin and Pfizer's Zyrtec. Seidman petitioned FDA in July 1998 for the switches (1"The Tan Sheet" Jan. 25, 1999, p. 20)
Rx-To-OTC Switch Flips On With June Public Forum, July NDAC Meeting
The suitability of specific Rx drug classes - such as antihypertensive agents, osteoporosis treatments and oral contraceptives - for OTC use will be examined by FDA at a June 28-29 meeting in Gaithersburg, Md.