American Pharmaceutical Association review of literature on prescription to over-the-counter drug switches

Research was conducted by staff of the American Pharmaceutical Association (APhA), the national professional society of pharmacists, to inform the APhA policy process. Findings indicate that many consumers view products that were switched from prescription to over-the-counter (OTC) status as being more effective than products that have not previously been designated as prescription drugs, and they prefer to purchase switched products. Consumer purchases of switched products replace utilization of prescription drugs, physician visits, and laboratory services, but no data were found concerning increased utilization that may eventually result from foregone or delayed medical attention. Evidence exists that many comparatively well-informed consumers are knowingly using these products in a manner inconsistent with their labeling, and are using complementary and alternative medications for which labeling is uninformative in lieu of either prescription or OTC products. A need exists for more and better-quality pharmaceutical care services from pharmacists to support informed self-care decision making by consumers.