Why Did The European Commission Decide All Antimicrobials Should Be Rx-Only?

The European Commission responds to questions regarding its decision to include OTC antivirals and antifungals, including commonly used products like thrush and cold sore creams, in the expanded prescription-only requirements for antimicrobials, as part of proposed measures to combat antimicrobial resistance. 

• Source: Shutterstock

As part of the EU’s pharmaceutical legislation update, the European Commission has proposed making all antimicrobials, including OTC antifungals and antivirals, prescription-only.

Designed to combat anti-microbial resistance (AMR) – responsible for more than 35,000 deaths every year in the EU, according to the commission – the measures in the draft revised directive could see commonly used topical brands like Bayer’s Canesten thrush creams (fluconazole, clotrimazole) and Haleon’s

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