Variety of Prescription Meds To Switch To OTC Status in Ireland
By Lori Clapper
Consumers in Ireland will soon have access to a broader range of pharmaceutical products, following the Health Products Regulatory Authority’s (HPRA) decision to change up to 34 prescription-only meds to over-the-counter (OTC) status. The drug regulator published 12 of the initial products that will make the switch on Wednesday.
The list includes sumatriptan for the treatment of migraines; penciclovir for cold sores; diclofenac salt for muscle pain and inflammation; and mixtures of hydrocortisone with other drugs for a variety of inflammatory skin conditions. The list also contains other products for the treatment of fungal skin and nail infections, acid reflux symptoms, and hay fever.
Lorraine Nolan, director of human products authorization, said that lists of other substances might be considered in the future “dependent on the nature, quality of applications, and the relevant engagement process with marketing authorization holders.”
The HPRA said it made the decision after closely examining the “unmet needs in the availability of non-prescription medicines” and took into account recommendations by independent consultants on the matter, the Irish Times reported.
“The authority is pleased to bring this reclassification initiative forward with this initial list of products,” Nolan said. “This will see an increase in the range of medicines that can be made available to patients through pharmacies without prescription.
The Irish Pharmacy Union (IPU), which represents over two thousand pharmacies in Ireland, backs the reclassification process.
"This is a landmark move to improving public health. Pharmacies are the most accessible part of the healthcare system and this announcement is a step towards utilizing pharmacists' knowledge and expertise for the benefit of the patient," IPU president Kathy Maher told Independent.ie.
While consumers won’t necessarily see a drop in drug prices, Independent.ie says the savings will be experienced when they don’t have to pay an average of €60 to visit their family doctor to get a prescription.