In the United States, most nonprescription drugs are available over-the-counter (OTC) in pharmacies and other stores. Experts have suggested that drug availability could be increased by establishing an additional class of nonprescription drugs that would be held behind the counter (BTC) but would require the intervention of a pharmacist before being dispensed; a similar class of drugs exists in many other countries. Although the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not developed a detailed proposal for a BTC drug class, it held a public meeting to explore the public health implications of BTC drug availability. This book explores the public health benefits of behind the counter availability of certain drugs without a prescription. In particular, the debate whether behind the counter may improve patient access to safe and effective drug products is discussed. This book looks at the pharmacist, infrastructure, and cost-related issues which would have to be addressed before a BTC drug class could be established in the United States.
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