What determines which prescription medicines become available over the counter?

My prescription medication has just become available over the counter and I'm thrilled. Just wondering why some make the cross over....

That's great. Just remember, that they are almost always HALF of the prescription dosage when they are made available for OTC purchase. Make sure you check the dose you are on now with the dose on the new package.

The CDER (Center for Drug Evaluation and Research) department at the FDA makes the decision with the manufacturers.
http://www.fda.gov/cder/index.html

Actually that is not a good thing...OTC drugs are usually 1/2 the strength as prescription and sometimes cost more than your co-pay.
After the drug companies have mmilked you for all you are worth with prescriptions...they go OTC.

Tags

　　Pain Relievers 　　Paget Disease 　　Ozone 　　Overweight 　　Overactive Bladder 　　Over-the-Counter Medicines 　　Ovarian Insufficiency 　　Ovarian Cysts 　　Ovarian Cancer 　　Otitis Media 　　Ostomy 　　Osteosarcoma

Related information

How are prescription medicine different from over-the-counter-medicine??

OTC medications are proven to be safe and effective. They are under the same manufacturing requirements as prescription medications. This does not include herbal supplements, which are not proven t...

What kind of over the counter medicine is good for a 2 year old who has the shomach flu??

Never give kids under 3 new meds without consulting the pediatrician! Call the nurse on call right now and ask what to do.

...

What's best over the counter medicine for menstrual cramp?

Motrin works well, tell her the key is to start taking it Before she starts feeling the pain, Like the day before she is supposed to get her period. Midol may also work, however it has caffeine ...

What is good over the counter medicine for back pain?

Im 6'8'' so im no stranger to back pain. Backaid is what i use, its in a pill formand it works well, or Motrin ib (take 4 caplets=800mg). Good luck!

...

What over the counter medicine/drug is this?

Melatonin is a hormone, it is your sleep hormone. I would not recommend it for getting pregnant, and I would not recommend it for people under the age of 30... Because it does tweak or elicit a hor...

What over the counter medicine can i take to lose weight or stop feeling hunger?

Fruit and veg!

...

What over the counter medicine can I take for a bad cold that won't interfere with coumadin and insulin?

I don't know about the blood thinner ( i would guess anything with aspirin in it) but if you are a diabetic you certainly need a cough med with no sugar in it. and you would be surprised at ho...

Best over the counter medicine for really bad head/chest cold?

aside from any home remedies or o.t.c., or any allergies to medications you might have, i would probably try taking some Theraflu, the microwave liquid-type, and drink plenty of water. Get some res...