Self-Medicate, Delete Your Doctor

By now you have probably heard the news that an FDA advisory panel has recommended to make three popular allergy drugs, (Claritin, Allegra and Zyrtec) available without a prescription.

The request was brought about by a California health insurance company that would save millions each year if these drugs became available over-the-counter (OTC). According to an ABC News report, the insurance company said “the medications were safe and could be used by patients without consulting doctors.”

While the insurance folks claim these medications are safe, drug makers claim that making these drugs available without a prescription would be “inappropriate and potentially adverse to human safety”, according to the ABC report.

Are the drugs safe/unsafe? Do they have less side-effects when given by a medical doctor? If one can self-medicate, what need is there for MDs? Is there something else at issue here other than the safety of drugs?

If the world knew what you do, would there be a need for these drugs?

ABC News: Allergy Drugs Without a Prescription
ABC News: Beware of Wrong Medication