Drug Topics survey: R.Ph.s give thumbs down to Mevacor OTC

In December, Drug Topics conducted an online instant poll asking pharmacists, Should Mevacor (lovastatin) go over-the-counter? Of the 639 votes cast, 59% said, No, the drug is not safe enough to go OTC, even at a lower dosage. Eleven percent of respondents said Yes, more patients will be able to use it to reduce their cholesterol levels; 9% said No, it could expose pharmacies to the risk of greater liability; 8% said No, there?s not enough evidence of the effectiveness of a lower dose; 6% said Yes, having it as an OTC will help reduce healthcare costs; 5% said Yes, the statin is safe enough to be used as directed; and 2% said they don?t know.

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