FDA eyes “behind the counter” drug category with greater clinical role for pharmacists
December 10th, 2007 Posted by: Dr. Cox
The Food and Drug Administration is contemplating the establishment of a class of medications that would be available only after counseling from a pharmacist but without a physician’s prescription. Physicians widely oppose the development, arguing that it could disrupt continuity of care and put patients at risk.
“We’re concerned about patient safety,” said Rebecca J. Patchin, MD, an American Medical Association trustee. “If a medication requires oversight, it should be available by prescription, and a physician should be involved in prescribing it and monitoring the patient.” The AMA testified in opposition to this action at the FDA’s Nov. 14 hearing on the subject.