The H2 Blockers' Rx-to OTC Switch: For Whom Will It Spell Relief?

Abstract

Tylenol. Advil. Monistat 7. Imodium AD. These are some of the most commonly used, widely available, and successful drugs in the United States. All of them began as drugs only available by a prescription. All of them made a successful prescription-only to over-the-counter (Rx-to-OTC) switch through the switch" mechanisms of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Due to the amount of money that pharmaceutical companies can make with an Rx-to-OTC switch, the FDA has received dozens of switch requests in the last few years, and it expects to receive many more in the near future.