Why are some drugs in the UK available without a prescription?!


Question:

Why are some drugs in the UK available without a prescription?


Answers:

There are some medications in all countries available over the counter. Many safe home remedies have been available for years.

There is however a new twist. In the last few years an increasing number of drugs have been made OTC with government encouragement. These include drugs for quite significant conditions.

Examples are nasal steroids for rhinitis, H2 antagonists and proton pump inhibitors for ulcer and reflux disease, the morning after pill and most recently chloramphenicol an antibiotic for eye infections and simvastatin to lower cholesterol.

The government motives for this are uncertain. Many doctors are however worried that this type of activity may actually put patients at risk, and that patients will unwisely take medication without appropriate investigation. Also since the majority patients in this country don't pay for for prescribed medication, that these drugs will be purchased by the well off worried well.




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