Expanding Consumer Medication Access: The Time Is Now

Abstract

The US FDA is proposing an expanded over-the-counter (OTC) medication policy to improve patient access to medications under the supervision of a pharmacist. Higher levels of medication access via multiple medication categories are common in other industrialized nations. Pharmacists are well trained and widely available. Expanding medication access can help alleviate the physician shortage by directing patients with appropriate health conditions that can be managed with medication to community pharmacists. Examples include migraine headaches and seasonal allergies, which have a significant impact on patients' quality of life and work productivity. Clinically relevant medications and dosages should be selected. Medication use guidelines should not be so restrictive as to defeat the policy intent. The proposed FDA policy is a long-overdue change that will help optimize available health personnel resources for patient care.

Kajian Distribusi, Keamanan Dan Pengembangan Kebijakan Obat Bebas Dan Bebas Terbatas

“…Penjualan OTC melalui gerai non-farmasi juga telah dilegalkan di Korea Selatan sejak tahun 2012 yang meliputi antara lain penjualan obat saluran cerna, obat flu, anti piretik, analgesik dan obat plester penghilang nyeri 17 . Kanada, Australia dan Selandia Baru juga melegalkan penjualan beberapa obat OTC di gerai non-farmasi 18 .…”

“…Penerapan klasifikasi obat secara berjenjang dapat dilakukan seperti yang diterapkan di negara seperti Kanada, Australia dan Selandia baru yang menetapkan 3 tingkat obat tanpa resep yakni pharmacist only yang merupakan obat yang hanya diserahkan oleh farmasis (di Indonesia dikategorikan sebagai OWA), pharmacy only yakni obat yang yang hanya dijual di fasilitas farmasi (di Indonesia berupa apotek dan toko obat berizin) serta golongan non farmasi outlet 18 .…”