FDA Looking Into Use of Technology Tools To Help People Self-Diagnose, Obtain Meds

[Islander]

Kelly Wilkinson
Wednesday, April 18, 2012

FDA is considering whether consumers should be able to use online questionnaires, patient kiosks or other technologies to conduct self-screenings and obtain certain medications that currently require prescriptions.

Experts say such technology could allow FDA to make certain drugs used to treat conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, asthma and migraines available over-the-counter.

In an iHealthBeat Special Report by Kelly Wilkinson, experts discussed the potential use of technology to help expand the number of medications available without a prescription.

Read more, listen to audio file: http://www.ihealthbeat.org/special-r...dications.aspx

[mellowsong]

This is really scary!!! Can you imagine statins OTC? Of course, they've been pushing for that for years and years. There really isn't any concern for life and health anymore; it's all about money.

[Jane Chitty]

But the US doctors will not like this as it would cut down on their income.

[mellowsong]

Most primary care docs are so harried and overworked, that they might welcome this. They don't get paid for time refilling Rx's, ordering labs etc anyway.