Comments on: More on OTC statins

By: John Anderson

John Anderson — Tue, 18 May 2004 00:56:14 +0000

New hope for cholesterol/fat?

http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml;jsessionid=KIBCCNTVLXBUMCRBAE0CFEY?type=scienceNews&storyID=5082664 Study: Molecule ‘Vacuums Up’ Fat from Mice

By: Daniel Newby

Daniel Newby — Fri, 14 May 2004 20:55:06 +0000

Kathleen Weaver says “I have to jump through major hoops, as does my doctor to get me an nonOTC allergy med and a nonOTC GERD medication. Not only are those two medications ineffective for me…”

The PPIs, like Prilosec, are usually safe in higher doses (but don’t trust me–ask your doctor). Some people take hundreds of milligrams of them a day. Something to keep in mind if the prescription stuff runs out.

“Also, you can never find Claritin without the D.”

It may be a local thing, but I’ve had no problem finding plain loratadine (generic for Claritin).

I recently noticed that “Claritin Hives Relief” is now being sold. It’s plain loratadine but in a fancy box with “Hives” in big letters. Ain’t marketing grand.

“Yes, you can buy 30 pack, but I haven’t seen them readily available in the stores.”

Again, it may be a local thing, but I’ve had no problem finding the 42-pack Prilosec and 30-pack loratadine.

By: Kathleen Weaver

Kathleen Weaver — Fri, 14 May 2004 12:02:23 +0000

As a patient, the OTC allergy and GERD medications have cost me headaches and probably some money.

I have to jump through major hoops, as does my doctor to get me an nonOTC allergy med and a nonOTC GERD medication. Not only are those two medications ineffective for me, but one affects my blood pressure adversely. Also, you can never find Claritin without the D.

Plus, with my prescription plan, buying prescription rather than OTC is more cost effective.

Another drawback to the OTC meds, and one reason why patients don’t take it as they should, is that they are sold in 10 packs in the stores. What else is the patient going to think?

Yes, you can buy 30 pack, but I haven’t seen them readily available in the stores.

By: Lawrence Markman, M.D.

Lawrence Markman, M.D. — Fri, 14 May 2004 11:11:23 +0000

We should take a hint from what is happening with OTC proton pump inhibitors. Almost all users of Prilosec OTC are taking it casually for symptom relief. Very few people take it on an empty stomach on a regular daily basis. Therefore, most users of the OTC product are probably not getting any benefit from it and are wasting their money. The same thing will happen when statins go OTC and may be purchased and used without physician guidance and follow-up.