00:01
The food and drug administration, or the fda, occasionally switches prescription drugs to over -the -counter, or otc, status for several reasons, starting with the safety profile.
00:16
The fda evaluates drugs to determine if they have a favorable safety profile for use without the supervision of a healthcare professional.
00:23
If the drug's benefits outweigh the potential risks when used as directed by consumers, it may be considered for otc status.
00:33
Ease of use drugs that are easy to use and require minimal instructions or monitoring are more suitable for otc availability.
00:43
If there is a significant consumer demand for a particular medication and sufficient evidence that it can be used safely without prescription, the fda may consider reclassifying it as otc.
00:59
Making certain medications available otc can reduce healthcare costs by allowing people to self -treat minor ailments instead of visiting healthcare professionals for prescriptions.
01:12
Otc drugs increase access to essential medications for individuals who may face barriers in accessing healthcare or obtaining prescriptions.
01:26
But there are potential problems associated with making more effective drugs available to the public for self -care, including misuse and overuse...