First OTC Cholesterol Drug Launched in Britain

[RedEarth]

LONDON (Reuters) - Britain became the first country in the world to sell a cholesterol-lowering drug without a prescription Thursday when a low-dosage form of Merck & Co Inc.'s Zocor was launched.


Statins like Zocor are taken by millions of people around the world to reduce the risk of heart attack and have become the most profitable drugs in the world. But until now they have only be available under doctor supervision.


In a ground-breaking move in May, however, the British government approved the switch to over-the-counter (OTC) status, arguing that easier access would allow more people to protect themselves from the risk of coronary heart disease.


Many doctors have voiced concern about the decision, which they contend will result in some people taking the medicine who do not need it while others could receive an inadequate dose.


The new version of Zocor, or simvastatin, will be marketed by Johnson & Johnson MSD under the brand name Zocor Heart-Pro at a cost of 12.99 pounds per 28-day pack.

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=571&ncid=751&e=1&u=/nm/20040729/hl_nm/health_britain_cholesterol_dc

[klook]

1. Olive oil? n/t

[On the Road]

2. Does This Mean We Can Order it Over the Internet?

[LibLabUK]

3. No.

OTC drugs can only be dispensed after a consultation with a licensed pharmacist.