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Kühler TC, Ateka A, Lassoued Z, Routhier FX, Mékary-Sawaya S. Real-world Data and Evidence to support a switch in status from Prescription drug to Over the Counter drug as applied by the EMA, the US FDA, the MHRA, and the BfArM. Clin Ther 2024; 46:208-216. [PMID: 38278703 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinthera.2023.12.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Revised: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/28/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE We studied under which circumstances and to what extent Real-World Data (RWD) and Real-World Evidence (RWE) were used in regulatory decisions when switching products from Prescription-only (Rx) to Over-the-Counter (OTC) status with the aim of extracting learnings that could be applied in future switches. METHODS Sanofi commissioned Clarivate Analytics to identify switches from Rx to OTC in the European Union (centrally by the European Medicines Agency [EMA] and in Germany by the Bundesinstitut für Arzneimittel und Medizinprodukte [BfArM]), in the United States by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and in the United Kingdom by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) as far back as data were available in the public domain, mainly Health Authority webpages. They covered the period from and including 2022 and went as far back as they could find data in their proprietary database or in the public domain; for the EMA back to 2008, the US FDA back to 2001, the UK MHRA back to 1991, and the German BfArM for the period 2013-2022. We also asked Clarivate to investigate the nature of acceptance of RWD and RWE, and to what extent they are accepted by the different regulators in their decision-making and approval processes. FINDINGS We found that the number of drugs available in the OTC segment is higher in regulatory jurisdictions where OTC policies are clear and supplemented by guidelines and transparent decision-making processes at the regulator level. A wide range of different data sources, many of which can be regarded as RWD/RWE in their broadest definitions, have been used to support switches. The data required by regulators to support a switch from Rx-only to OTC availability primarily centers on drug safety-both the drug's intrinsic safety and the safety associated with consumer usage. IMPLICATIONS Clear and transparent regulatory switch frameworks are conducive to growing the number of medicines available to consumers willing to self-manage their conditions. Transparent disclosure of the RWD and RWE data sets that regulators have found acceptable in historic switch applications is desirable because it would help sponsors to facilitate and increase prospective switches, thereby benefiting patients and society.
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Fisher M, Aher A, Araga M, Franks B. Patient Factors in the Dose Selection of Oral Sumatriptan for Acute Migraine: A Post Hoc Analysis of Two Randomized Controlled Studies. Pain Ther 2023; 12:853-861. [PMID: 37103731 PMCID: PMC10134697 DOI: 10.1007/s40122-023-00511-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 04/28/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Patients are seeking greater involvement in their healthcare. It therefore may be beneficial to provide guidance on initial oral sumatriptan dose selection for the treatment of acute migraine in nontraditional settings, such as telehealth and other remote forms of medical care. We sought to determine whether clinical or demographic factors are predictive of oral sumatriptan dose preference. METHODS This was a post hoc analysis of two clinical studies designed to determine preference for 25, 50, or 100 mg oral sumatriptan. Patients were aged 18-65 years with at least a 1 year history of migraine and experienced, on average, between one and six severe or moderately severe migraine attacks per month, with or without aura. Predictive factors were demographic measures, medical history, and migraine characteristics. Possibly predictive factors were identified using three analyses: classification and regression tree analysis, marginal significance (P < 0.1) within a full-model logistic regression, and/or selection within a forward-selection procedure in a logistic regression. A reduced model containing the variables identified in the preliminary analyses was developed. Due to differences in study design, data were not combined. RESULTS A dose preference was expressed by 167 patients in Study 1 and 222 patients in Study 2. Gender and medical history of urologic and/or psychological conditions in Study 1 and duration of migraine history, height, and medical history of endocrine or neurologic disease and headache severity in Study 2 were identified as possibly predictive. The predictive model showed low positive predictive value (PPV; 23.8%) and low sensitivity (21.7%) for Study 1. For Study 2, the model showed moderate PPV (60.0%) but low sensitivity (10.9%). CONCLUSIONS No clinical or demographic characteristics alone or in combination were consistently or strongly associated with preference for oral sumatriptan dose level. TRIAL REGISTRATION The studies on which this paper is based were conducted before trial registration indexes were introduced.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matt Fisher
- Haleon, 184 Liberty Corner Road, Warren, NJ, 07059, USA.
| | - Abhay Aher
- Haleon, 184 Liberty Corner Road, Warren, NJ, 07059, USA
| | - Mako Araga
- Haleon, 184 Liberty Corner Road, Warren, NJ, 07059, USA
| | - Billy Franks
- GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare B.V., Amersfoort, Netherlands
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Zheng Z, Feng Z, Zhang D, Sun X, Dong D, Luo Y, Feng D. Does self-medication reduce medical expenditure among the middle-aged and elderly population? A four-wave longitudinal study in China. Front Public Health 2023; 10:1047710. [PMID: 36711405 PMCID: PMC9874163 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.1047710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Self-medication has a high prevalence in the middle-aged and elderly population in China. Despite the published evidence demonstrating the economic benefits of self-medication, limited research has addressed the relationship between self-medication and individual medical expenditures, especially within the Chinese population. This study examined the effect of self-medication on individual medical expenditures in China and analyzed the heterogeneity between outpatient and inpatient cases. Methods We conducted a panel data analysis using data from four waves of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS). Two-part mixed-effect models were implemented to estimate the effect of self-medication on total outpatient and inpatient expenses and out-of-pocket (OOP) costs, where mixed-effects logit regression was used as the first part, and generalized linear mixed models with log link and gamma distribution was used as the second part. Results We identified 72,041 responses representing 24,641 individuals, of which 13,185 responses incurred outpatient expenses and 9,003 responses incurred inpatient costs. Controlling for all covariates, we found that self-medication behaviors were significantly associated with a higher probability of outpatient service utilization (OR = 1.250, 95% CI = 0.179 to 0.269; P < 0.001), but displayed no significant association with outpatient expenses. Respondents who had taken self-medication were less likely to use inpatient services (OR = 0.865, 95% CI = -0.201 to -0.089; P < 0.001), and their inpatient expenses were significantly reduced by 9.4% (P < 0.001). Inpatient OOP costs were significantly reduced by 10.7% (P < 0.001), and outpatient OOP costs were significantly increased by 11.3% (P < 0.001) among respondents who had self-medicated. Conclusions This study allowed us to identify the economic value of self-medication among the middle-aged and elderly population in China. Future work should guide the middle-aged and elderly to take responsible self-medication to reduce their economic burden.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zehao Zheng
- School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhanchun Feng
- School of Medicine and Health Management, Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Donglan Zhang
- Division of Health Services Research, Department of Foundations of Medicine, New York University Long Island School of Medicine, Mineola, NY, United States
| | - Xiaobo Sun
- School of Statistics and Mathematics, Zhongnan University of Economics and Law, Wuhan, China
| | - Dong Dong
- JC School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, NT, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Youxi Luo
- School of Science, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Da Feng
- School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China,*Correspondence: Da Feng ✉
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Stippler A, Eckstein N, Kroth E. Key results of a series of surveys among German pharmacies, physicians, patients and stakeholders regarding further triptans as potential OTC products. J Public Health (Oxf) 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s10389-020-01310-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
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Parkinson B, Cutler H. Application of an economic evaluation approach to making regulatory decisions regarding access to medicines: advantages, challenges and recommendations. AUST HEALTH REV 2021; 46:143-149. [PMID: 34903326 DOI: 10.1071/ah20208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2020] [Accepted: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Initially patients require a prescription to access most new medicines. Some medicines may later be reclassified, allowing patients to access them without a prescription. Currently, Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration guidelines regarding reclassification decisions focus on patient risk rather than on potential benefits to patient health and the healthcare system. We conducted two extensive case studies demonstrating an economic evaluation approach to medicine reclassification in Australia, which were presented at various conferences and to key stakeholders. This article discusses the advantages and challenges of using an economic evaluation approach to inform medicine reclassification decisions. Advantages identified include systematically and transparently synthesising evidence from multiple sources; predicting the overall expected impact of reclassification on health outcomes and costs before it occurs; considering a broader range of risks and benefits; aggregation of health impacts into a single measure (quality-adjusted life years); identification of drivers of uncertainty; insight into the effects of different regulatory decisions; and improved consistency of evidence. Challenges include data availability and quality, estimating behavioural changes, model complexity, the lack of an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio threshold, and funding of economic analyses. We recommend that regulatory decision makers use an economic evaluation approach to help inform reclassification decisions, although economic evaluation results should be considered as part of the broader body of evidence. Ultimately, the use of an economic evaluation approach will contribute to helping decision makers maximise population health outcomes in an efficient way.What is known about the topic?In the past, decisions regarding medicine reclassification have generally been made using a deliberative approach focusing on patient risk. However, there are also potential benefits to patient health and effects on the healthcare system. Increasing awareness of these benefits have led to the development of alternative approaches to decision making, including an economic evaluation approach.What does this paper add?This article discusses the advantages and challenges of using an economic evaluation approach to inform medicine reclassification decisions compared with alternative approaches.What are the implications for practitioners?Economic evaluation results should be considered as part of the broader body of evidence regarding the types of health impacts, the extent of the available evidence, who will be affected, and the role of medical practitioners and pharmacists in mitigating any risks. However, awareness of the advantages and challenges of this approach in advance will help mitigate some of the challenges and increase acceptance of the economic evaluation results by decision makers and stakeholders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bonny Parkinson
- Centre for the Health Economy, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia; and Corresponding author
| | - Henry Cutler
- Centre for the Health Economy, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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Booth S, Parsons R, Sunderland B, Sim TF. Managing migraine with over-the-counter provision of triptans: the perspectives and readiness of Western Australian community pharmacists. PeerJ 2019; 7:e8134. [PMID: 31871835 PMCID: PMC6921984 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.8134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2019] [Accepted: 11/01/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Down-scheduling one or more triptans to Schedule 3 (Pharmacist Only Medicine) from Schedule 4 (Prescription Only Medicine) has been debated in Australia for a decade. This study aimed to evaluate the perspectives and readiness of Western Australian (WA) community pharmacists to manage migraine including over-the-counter (OTC) provision of triptans. Methods Data were collected using a self-administered paper-based questionnaire, posted to a random sample of 178 metropolitan and 97 regional pharmacies in WA. Respondent pharmacists were surveyed regarding: knowledge of optimal migraine treatment as per current guidelines, resources required to appropriately recommend triptans and attitudes and perspective toward down-scheduling. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and multivariate regression analysis. Pharmacist/pharmacy characteristics influencing readiness were evaluated by assigning respondents a score based on responses to Likert scale questions. These questions were assigned to five domains based on an implementation model and these scores were used in a general linear model to identify demographic characteristics associated with readiness across each domain. Results A total of 114 of the 275 pharmacies returned useable questionnaires (response rate: 41.5%). The two most commonly recommended first line OTC agents were a combined paracetamol/non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and aspirin (44/104; 42.3% and 22/104; 21.2%, respectively) which provided context to the respondents’ knowledge of optimal migraine treatment. Responses to questions in relation to triptans and the warning signs requiring referral were in line with current guidelines, demonstrating respondents’ knowledge in these areas. Nevertheless, most respondents demonstrated uncertainty in relation to the pathogenesis of migraine. If triptans were available OTC, 66/107 (61.7%) would recommend them first-line. The majority (107/113; 94.7%) agreed that down-scheduling would improve timely access to effective migraine medication and 105/113 (92.9%) agreed that if triptans were down-scheduled, pharmacists may be better able to assist people in the treatment of migraine. Most respondents agreed that additional training and resources, including a guideline for OTC supply of triptans and the management of first-time and repeat migraine would be necessary if triptans were down-scheduled. No single demographic characteristic influenced readiness across all five domains. Discussion Pharmacists were knowledgeable regarding triptans and recognised symptoms requiring referral; migraine knowledge could be improved. Pharmacists supported down-scheduling of one or more triptans in Australia, however they highlighted a need for further training and resources to support migraine diagnosis and provision of OTC triptans. Professional pharmacy bodies should consider these findings when recommending drugs suitable for down-scheduling for pharmacist recommendation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaid Booth
- School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Richard Parsons
- School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Bruce Sunderland
- School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Tin Fei Sim
- School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
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Donnet A, Emery C, Aly S, Allaf B, Cayre F, Mahieu N, Gourmelen J, Levy P, Fagnani F. Migraine burden and costs in France: a nationwide claims database analysis of triptan users. J Med Econ 2019; 22:616-624. [PMID: 30836035 DOI: 10.1080/13696998.2019.1590841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Objectives: To estimate the burden of migraine in the population of French patients identified as specific migraine acute treatment users compared to a control group. Methods: A cross-sectional retrospective analysis was performed on the Echantillon Généraliste des Bénéficiaires claims database, a 1/97 random sample of the French public insurance database. A representative sample of all adults with at least one delivery of triptans, ergot derivatives or acetylsalicylic acid/metoclopramide (all drugs with a specific label in migraine acute treatment - SMAT) in 2014 was selected with a control group matched on age, gender and geographic region. Among triptan users, a sub-group of over-users was defined according to their level of triptan uptake expressed in defined daily doses (DDD - a standard daily dose of treatment of acute migraine) per month over 3 months and more, was also compared with controls. The cost analysis was performed in a societal perspective for direct costs. Sick leave indirect costs were estimated using the human capital approach. Results: In total 8639 SMAT users (mean age: 44.6 years; 78.7% women) were selected representing a crude prevalence rate of 1.7%. The annual per capita total healthcare expenditures were higher by €280 in this group compared to controls (€2463 vs. €2183). Triptans contributed 47.8% to this extra cost. They used significantly (p < .0001) more frequently than controls antidepressants (20.8% vs. 11.0%), anxiolytics (29.4% vs. 18.8%) and analgesics (53.8% vs. 35.8%). The per capita annual productivity loss associated with sick leave was higher by €295 (€1712 vs. €1417). Among triptan users, there were 2.9% over-users. This last group was characterized by substantially higher per capita annual extra direct (+ €1805) and indirect costs (productivity loss +€706) compared to controls. Conclusions: Due to its high prevalence, migraine costs generate a significant societal burden. The group of over-users concentrates high per capita direct and indirect costs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Samia Aly
- c Novartis Pharma , Rueil-Malmaison , France
| | | | - Fanny Cayre
- c Novartis Pharma , Rueil-Malmaison , France
| | | | | | - Pierre Levy
- e Université Paris-Dauphine, PSL Research University, LEDa [LEGOS] , Paris , France
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Parkinson B, Gumbie M, Cutler H, Gauld N, Mumford V, Haywood P. Cost-Effectiveness of Reclassifying Triptans in Australia: Application of an Economic Evaluation Approach to Regulatory Decisions. VALUE IN HEALTH : THE JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR PHARMACOECONOMICS AND OUTCOMES RESEARCH 2019; 22:293-302. [PMID: 30832967 DOI: 10.1016/j.jval.2018.09.2840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2018] [Revised: 09/05/2018] [Accepted: 09/14/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Migraine is a common, chronic, disabling headache disorder. Triptans, used as an acute treatment for migraine, are available via prescription in Australia. An Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) committee rejected reclassifying sumatriptan and zolmitriptan from prescription medicine to pharmacist-only between 2005 and 2009, largely on the basis of concerns about patient risk. Nevertheless, pharmacist-only triptans may reduce migraine duration and free up healthcare resources. OBJECTIVES To estimate the cost-effectiveness of reclassifying triptans from prescription-only to pharmacist-only in Australia. METHODS The study design included decision-analytic modeling combining data from various sources. Behavior before and after reclassification was estimated using medical practitioner and patient surveys and also administrative data. Health outcomes included migraine frequency and duration as well as adverse events (AEs) discussed by the TGA committee. Efficacy and AEs were estimated using randomized controlled trials and observational studies. RESULTS Reclassifying triptans will reduce migraine duration but increase AEs. This will result in 337 quality-adjusted life-years gained at an increased cost of A$5.9 million over 10 years for all Australian adults older than 15 years (19.6 million). The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio was estimated to be A$17 412/quality-adjusted life-year gained. CONCLUSIONS The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio is likely to be considered cost-effective by Australian decision makers. Serotonin syndrome, a key concern of the TGA committee, had little impact on the results. Further research is needed regarding pharmacist-only triptan use by migraineurs currently using over-the-counter medicines and by nonmigraineurs, the efficacy of triptans, and the risk of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular AEs and chronic headaches with triptans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bonny Parkinson
- Centre for the Health Economy, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
| | - Mutsa Gumbie
- Centre for the Health Economy, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Henry Cutler
- Centre for the Health Economy, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Natalie Gauld
- School of Pharmacy, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Virginia Mumford
- Australian Institute for Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Philip Haywood
- Centre for Health Economics Research and Evaluation, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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Abstract
AIM The aim of this review was to identify the international evidence that is currently available on the economic value of self-care through responsible self-medication, in terms of the measures related to access to treatment, time, and productivity. METHODS A targeted literature search was conducted for 1990-2016, including data gathered from members of the World Self-Medication Industry and searches on PubMed, EBSCOHost, and Google Scholar. Specific searches of individual drug classes known to be switched to non-prescription status in this period were also conducted. RESULTS A total of 71 articles were identified, of which 17 (11 modeling studies, six retrospective analyses) were included in the review. Evidence from modeling studies and retrospective analyses of grouped data across a range of common conditions for which non-prescription medications are available in different countries/regions showed that the use of non-prescription products for the treatment of common conditions or for symptom management (e.g. allergies, chronic pain, migraine, vaginitis, gastrointestinal symptoms, or common cold symptoms) had considerable value to patients, payers, and employers alike in terms of cost savings and improved productivity. Potential benefits of self-medication were also identified in preventative healthcare strategies, such as those for cardiovascular health and osteoporosis. LIMITATIONS This review was limited by a targeted, but non-systematic approach to literature retrieval, as well as the inclusion of unpublished reports/white papers and patient self-reported data. CONCLUSIONS The evidence identified in this literature review shows that responsible, appropriate self-medication with non-prescription products can provide significant economic benefits for patients, employers, and healthcare systems worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua Noone
- a Precision Health Economics , Huntersville , NC , USA
| | - Christopher M Blanchette
- a Precision Health Economics , Huntersville , NC , USA
- b University of North Carolina , Charlotte , NC , USA
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From prescription-only (Rx) to over-the-counter (OTC) status in Germany 2006–2015: pharmacological perspectives on regulatory decisions. Eur J Clin Pharmacol 2017; 73:901-910. [DOI: 10.1007/s00228-017-2240-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2016] [Accepted: 03/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
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Barrenberg E, Garbe E. Unsuccessful applications to increase or decrease the over-the-counter (OTC) availability of drugs in Germany between 2009 and 2014. J Public Health (Oxf) 2016. [DOI: 10.1007/s10389-016-0782-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
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Gauld NJ, Kelly FS, Kurosawa N, Bryant LJM, Emmerton LM, Buetow SA. Widening consumer access to medicines through switching medicines to non-prescription: a six country comparison. PLoS One 2014; 9:e107726. [PMID: 25251434 PMCID: PMC4175460 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0107726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2014] [Accepted: 08/18/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Switching or reclassifying medicines with established safety profiles from prescription to non-prescription aims to increase timely consumer access to medicines, reduce under-treatment and enhance self-management. However, risks include suboptimal therapy and adverse effects. With a long-standing government policy supporting switching or reclassifying medicines from prescription to non-prescription, the United Kingdom is believed to lead the world in switch, but evidence for this is inconclusive. Interest in switching medicines for certain long-term conditions has arisen in the United Kingdom, United States, and Europe, but such switches have been contentious. The objective of this study was then to provide a comprehensive comparison of progress in switch for medicines across six developed countries: the United States; the United Kingdom; Australia; Japan; the Netherlands; and New Zealand. Methods A list of prescription-to-non-prescription medicine switches was systematically compiled. Three measures were used to compare switch activity across the countries: “progressive” switches from 2003 to 2013 (indicating incremental consumer benefit over current non-prescription medicines); “first-in-world” switches from 2003 to 2013; and switch date comparisons for selected medicines. Results New Zealand was the most active in progressive switches from 2003 to 2013, with the United Kingdom and Japan not far behind. The United States, Australia and the Netherlands showed the least activity in this period. Few medicines for long-term conditions were switched, even in the United Kingdom and New Zealand where first-in-world switches were most likely. Switch of certain medicines took considerably longer in some countries than others. For example, a consumer in the United Kingdom could self-medicate with a non-sedating antihistamine 19 years earlier than a consumer in the United States. Conclusion Proactivity in medicines switching, most notably in New Zealand and the United Kingdom, questions missed opportunities to enhance consumers' self-management in countries such as the United States.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie J. Gauld
- Department of General Practice and Primary Health Care, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- * E-mail:
| | - Fiona S. Kelly
- School of Pharmacy, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Griffith Health Institute, Griffith University, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Nahoko Kurosawa
- Hokkaido Pharmaceutical University School of Pharmacy, Otaru, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Linda J. M. Bryant
- Department of General Practice and Primary Health Care, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Lynne M. Emmerton
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Stephen A. Buetow
- Department of General Practice and Primary Health Care, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
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