Why do people think that because something is sold OTC that it's safe?

Question

I really don't get this "physician heal thyself" mentality.

Even though many drugs are sold OTC these days that used to require a script in days-gone-by, the only reason they were "allowed" to be sold OTC is probably because people couldn't afford doctors (in the USA) and without government regulation on all that stuff, they just downloaded the responsibilities onto the pharmacists and allowed consumers to have "access" to these drugs.

The other issue too is that drugs were "COVERED" by insurance companies when prescribed by doctors, but having them sold OTC removed that coverage, so the COST was downloaded onto consumers too.

When are people going to wake up and see that this is all a scam designed to gouge the consumers?

Drugs that are sold this way can eventually kill you but you'll never be the wiser will you?

IGNORANCE is what all these corporations are counting on. No one can blame them when you yourself are the one doing you harm. Herbal stuff is worse!!

People think herbal meds are "natural" and thus will not harm you. WRONG. They are medicine too, and scarier still is there is NO regulations on them whatsoever.

If they make cancer medication from tree bark, what makes you think any root or leaf, etc. is "harmless"???

Answer 1

but its just easy. everyone wants a fast and easy way to get things. i just wanna walk into the pharmacy, choose my medicine and pay. u must understand that alot of GPs simply ask a few qns, check the patient's vital signs (sometimes not at all), drug allergy, maybe some medical and family history then they prescribe u some drugs. what consultation are we really paying for?

lets talk about flu for example. what r they gonna give u? anti-pyretics such as paracetamols if there's fever. some anti-histamines for the blocked/ runny nose or cough. anti-mucolytic, etc.

unless ive never come across certain ailment. then i'll have no choice but to seek the advice of some doctors whom i find responsible.

not everyone is ignorant. not everyone who buys otc drugs are ignorant.

of course, i cant deny the part where u talked about HERBAL HEALING. ive always find it absurd.

"100% natural herbs" my foot. look at the medical properties peeps! also, anything that has been processed and made into pills by pharmaceutical companies ARE NOT NATURAL!

Answer 2

OTC just means less dangerous. They can all cause problems and interact with prescription medications. Normally, when a drug switches from prescription status to OTC, the price is decreased. However, that was not the case for Alli and Plan B, but was the case for Zapitor. Those are the recent Rx to OTC meds. The next drug to go OTC will be Zyrtec on December 26. The pharmceutical companies believe if the drug is OTC, there is more potential for profit.
A cancer drug, Taxol, actually is made from yew tree needles.
With herbals, there is no guarantee of consistancy amongst batches.

Answer 3

good question. i'm gonna play both sides of the fence.

because up until a few weeks ago, i worked for a (federally regulated) major pharmaceutical company for 9 years. and there is so much research & testing necessary that goes into developing these medications and treatments. ((although nothing is 100%, but thats another story.))

as far as a drug going OTC. from my knowledge/experience once a companies patent on their drug expires -- it becomes fair game to other companies. and the other companies can distribute it as a generic or OTC. my former company was actually involved in major litigation w/ the FDA -- because they basically didn't want to give up the rights to their patent. although it had expired, and the FDA wouldn't grant an extension.

with that said, i'm very leery of most drugs. OTC or otherwise. my company is a distributor and manufacter of a flu vaccine. and every year they offer it to employees & our families free of charge. NO THANK YOU!!

if it was something deemed necessary to sustain my life or to restore the quality of my life -- i'd say yes. but for any other reason, i will respectfully have to pass.

Answer 4

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Answer 5

Thats easy all you have to remember is that drug companies need their big bucks so people take the easy way out.

Answer 6

great question- especially when you can but cigarettes OTC! LOL! People probably think its safe becasue you can buy it over the counter. Oh well, what can you do.

Answer 7

It's all about makin that almighty buck. It's sad that people trade in their human decency and self respect for a few dollars....