Acyclovir Over the Counter? FDA Hearing, May 19

The Antiviral Drug Products Advisory Committee will hold a
public hearing on whether acyclovir should be switched from
prescription to over-the-counter status. The hearing is
scheduled for May 19 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Parklawn
Building, conference rooms D and E, 5600 Fishers Lane,
Rockville, Maryland.

Comment

A major concern is that over-the-counter status will allow
private and public insurers to refuse to pay for acyclovir,
even when it is prescribed by a physician, making access
difficult or impossible or some people. The price of the drug
is expected to remain high, regardless of its prescription
status, until rights to it expire in 1995.