Rescue Medicine Switch Concept Draws Criticism

02 Apr 2012

• By Elizabeth Crawford

FDA considers switching some prescription “antidotes” to restricted nonprescription status so consumers who can self-identify their need for the drugs and who previously had a prescription can easily access them during life-threatening events, says CDER Director Janet Woodcock.

FDA officials argue expanding nonprescription access to some rescue medicines under a potential new switch paradigm could save lives in emergencies, but health care advocates argue the move could do more harm than good by delaying necessary long-term care.

The agency is considering switching some prescription “antidotes” to restricted nonprescription status so that individuals who can self-identify their need...