FDA may let patients buy drugs without prescriptions

[dkf]

In a move that could help the government trim its burgeoning health care costs, the Food and Drug Administration may soon permit Americans to obtain some drugs used to treat conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes without obtaining a prescription.

The FDA says over-the-counter distribution would let patients get drugs for many common conditions without the time and expense of visiting a doctor, but medical providers call the change medically unsound and note that it also may mean that insurance no longer will pay for the drugs.

Under the changes that the agency is considering, patients could diagnose their ailments by answering questions online or at a pharmacy kiosk in order to buy current prescription-only drugs for conditions such as high cholesterol, certain infections, migraine headaches, asthma or allergies.

http://m.washingtontimes.com/news/2012/apr/29/fda-may-let-patients-buy-drugs-without-prescriptio/?page=all

[marlakay]

1. Sounds dangerous

and just another cost cutting stupid idea! Blood pressure meds…diabetes…you can die from the wrong amounts.

I just keep thinking more and more they are just wanting to thin the population, saying we have to work longer, but no jobs, no health care…

[djean111]

2. On the other hand,

my son needs three prescriptions for his PTSD (stuff that happened here, not war related) - and while he can get those medications (with no insurance) at amazingly low cost through Costco, it would be great if he didn't basically have to pay the doctor $110 every three months just to get refills.

That's the ugly thing in America, sometimes if you can't afford the doctor, you can't get the medicine. There needs to be a middle ground.

[loyalsister]

3. prophylactic medications

should be monitored. They are talking about drugs that alter blood flow, metabolism, brain chemistry, etc. Those functions should be monitored carefully. These drugs also may have some extreme side effects.
Serious illnesses may also go undiagnosed because the symptoms treated may not be understood in full context. ie Suppose a person treats their migraines and high blood pressure themselves and gets some relief. The treatment may mask a brewing stroke and the person may disrupt a delicate balance by not taking those meds properly.

[aint_no_life_nowhere]

4. Some doctors want a lifetime annuity

In fact, too many of them want that monthly patient visit just to take a 30 second look at you and renew your prescription. In other words, they don't even take your blood pressure. It's part of the goal of building a big medical practice of having their pound of flesh every few weeks for very little effort on their part. This is not true of every doctor I've known in my 62 years but is true of too many businessmen in white coats.

[LeftyMom]

5. Many minor conditions can be diagnosed by anybody with a functioning brain.

It shouldn't take a trip to the doctor to get a bottle of Keflex for a UTI, especially if you've had one before and know the symptoms.

If you've got a scrape on your finger that's getting hot to the touch and swelling, you might as well grab some antibiotics now, rather than wait until it's an oozing mess or goes systemic. But poor people who can't afford a doctor visit find themselves putting it off, trying a home remedy, or just hoping it doesn't get worse before payday. Giving them access to common safe medications without having to waste their money and a doctor's time is fair and reasonable. It also cuts down on people with limited access to care saving medications for future needs, using other people's inappropriate meds, and other legitimate medical concerns created by inequitable access to medical care.

ALSO, THEY SHOULD INCLUDE BIRTH CONTROL.

[JNelson6563]

9. Exactly.

There are common things that many people can recognize instantly. Long ago, when the kids were little, I came home from work one evening to see from across the room that my daughter had pink-eye (conjunctivitis). Of course doctor's office was closed so I had no choice but to take her to urgent care and pony up the $100 to get her a 'cript for the drops I already knew she needed. Of course we were struggling financially so that was painfully frustrating.

Julie

[RC]

6. This will also let health insurance companies off the hook for some medications.

What cost me 32¢ for a months supply, the last time I had it refiled, could cost me several dollars. Somebody's always scamming for that extra nickle.

[dkf]

7. I've never paid that little for a prescription.

You must have a really good drug plan.

[RC]

8. Only the last refill

My drug plan is BCBS, so nothing to brag about. The amount they pay varies all over the place, depending on the drug.