A New Role for Frontline Pharmacists?

APhA DrugInfoLine® (Nov./Dec.): Possible new behind the counter drug category

Pharmacists could soon find themselves with even more responsibility. The Federal Drug Administration (FDA) is considering a behind-the-counter (BTC) drug category that would allow patients access to certain drugs with a pharmacist's approval. The result would be increased patient empowerment and a possible reduction in the amount of time and money they spend going to a physician. However, pharmacists would require even better information at the point-of-contact in order to best serve their patients.

Proponents of the proposed BTC category agree that drugs being considered would need to be for conditions that can be detected easily and accurately, have few adverse effects and be safe to use without complex monitoring. Such drugs might include oral contraceptives, statins, anti-migraine medications and smoking-cessation products. The FDA has set no timetable for making a decision.

DrugInfoLine, combined with other cross-searchable STAT!Ref resources like Detailed Drug Information for the Consumer™ and DrugPoints® System, can help pharmacists meet these increased information needs while saving valuable time when checking drug and patient information.