Schering-Plough's About-Face On OTC Claritin

Just ten months after telling the FDA that granting Claritin OTC status posed a "major health risk," Schering-Plough--threatened by the genericization of its blockbuster drug and possible OTC competitors on the horizon--has changed its tune and asked the agency to approve the switch. Its a move which may presage a sea change in drug marketing as pressure could mount for other NSAs, as well as medications in other therapeutic categories, to go non-prescription.