The American Pharmacists Association (APhA) applauds the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) recent decision to consider the development of a behind the counter (BTC) class of drugs that could include medications available without a prescription and would also require the intervention of a pharmacist before dispensing.
“This new class could translate into increased access for patients” said John A. Gans, PharmD, APhA CEO, “while providing additional safeguards through pharmacist interventions that would better ensure appropriate medication use.”
APhA has been a long-time supporter of restructuring the current drug classification system and drug approval process, based upon available evidence, to assure appropriate access to medications and pharmacist services and to improve medication use and outcomes.
Pharmacists’ medication expertise and accessibility place them in a unique position to provide the oversight that would benefit patients taking certain products. Everyday, pharmacists help patients self-manage their medication therapy and improve their medication use through appropriate selection, monitoring and education.