Approving such drugs over the counter would result in targeting low-risk people in vast numbers, many of whom are not likely to develop arteriosclerosis, Dr. Orloff said. Most OTC drugs target conditions for which there are symptoms. High cholesterol does not exhibit overt signs, yet the drugs need to be taken long term. The decision was hailed by some patient advocacy groups. But the move to shift cholesterol-lowering drugs to OTC status received significant support from minority health organizations trying to increase drug access for populations that account for a significant number of uninsured and underinsured.
Consumers are very sophisticated.
They know when to go to a physician. OTC drugs are usually cheaper than their prescription counterparts. Although this is also believed to increase accessibility, some questioned whether a change would result in any cost savings. Some hoped that OTC approval would improve patient education about heart disease and the benefits of lowering cholesterol in neglected communities. We believe very strongly that if pharmaceutical companies are going to do something like this, they will invest the money in creating a very large education campaign in the community, which no one has done.