Norway Model Offers Key To Unlock More Complex Switches

Norway's move to encourage more innovative Rx-to-OTC switches has begun to bear fruit with the recent reclassification of Pfizer's Viagra. The country's decision to introduce a new non-prescription drug category to promote switching can be used as a model for securing a new wave of more complex switches elsewhere around the world.

Norway flag

Norway’s decision to switch Pfizer’s blockbuster drug Viagra from prescription-to-OTC status last month means it has joined a very select group of countries globally that have reclassified erectile dysfunction treatment sildenafil. Just Poland, New Zealand and the UK have up until now allowed sildenafil to be supplied without a prescription.

By succeeding with its Viagra switch, Pfizer became the first firm to benefit from a recent change of law in...

Read the full article – start your free trial today!

Join thousands of industry professionals who rely on HBW Insight for daily insights

  • Start your 7-day free trial
  • Explore trusted news, analysis, and insights
  • Access comprehensive global coverage
  • Enjoy instant access – no credit card required

More from Rx-to-OTC Switch

Viatris Switches Innovative Dual Action Nasal Spray In The UK

 
• By 

Now available without a prescription, Dymista Control is the first OTC combination treatment for consumers who are struggling to control their seasonal allergic rhinitis with a corticosteroid or antihistamine nasal spray, according to the firm.

Haleon Study: Self-Care Policies Could Save Finland €60m Per Year

 
• By 

Creating a working group to drive Rx-to-OTC switch is one of the ways in which Finland could expand self-care and save €60m per year for the country's health system, suggests a recently published report commissioned by Haleon.

PAGB: UK Gov Must Invest In Self-Care To Realize ‘Untapped Potential’

 
• By 

Reacting to chancellor Rachel Reeves' 2025 public spending review, PAGB welcomed increased funding for healthcare and life sciences while stressing the need to promote self-care practices.

EU Pharma Reform: Council Proposes Rx Exemption For Topical Antimicrobials

 
• By 

The EU Council has introduced a key amendment to Article 51 (para 1, point e) of the new pharma directive: “A medicinal product shall be subject to medical prescription where it is an antimicrobial, unless intended for topical use.”

More from Health

Over The Counter: How To Balance Access And Equity In Self-Care, With Bayer’s Emese Csoke

HBW Insight speaks to Bayer Consumer Health's global strategy director for regulatory, medical, safety, quality, and compliance Emese Csoke about how least how widening access to self-care solutions can be balanced with equity with regards to affordability.

Lupin Goes For Growth With Indian Consumer Health Spin-Off

 
• By 

With annual sales approaching $20m, LupinLife Consumer Healthcare has ambitious growth plans for the Indian OTC market.

US FDA’s Tough Talk On Talc: Regulating In An Echo Chamber

 

An FDA “expert roundtable” on talc produced a new talking point on a potential drug safety risk, but the basis of that claim is difficult to determine.