Nonpharmacy OTC Sales: Patients Lose

Joshua J. Pray, Pharm.D. Candidate, W. Steven Pray, Ph.D., R.Ph. This article explores some of the issues surrounding the wide-ranging availability of nonprescription drugs and devices opposed to pharmacist-only sales. The authors explain the concept of learned intermediary and explore the impact of advertising and the potential harm that can occur to patients who purchase these products outside of pharmacy's oversight. The disparity between nonpharmacists who sell OTCs and pharmacists include regulations for inclusion on patient profiles, proper disposal of outdated products, malpractice insurance coverage, education requirements and more for pharmacists. Yet none of these apply to nonpharmacists or their places of business. The authors argue that this disparity and the fact that anyone can sell OTC drugs and devices can make the public think these products are completely safe. Anecdotal evidence shows that outdated nonprescription drugs or products that have been withdrawn from the marketplace by the FDA are occasionally found at flea markets at greatly reduced prices. The authors conclude with several suggestions that consumers of self-care products should follow when making purchases with the primary suggestions being to consult a pharmacist and to read all labeling (including expiration dates) carefully and completely.