Top of the morning to you. Gray skies are hovering once again over the Pharmalot campus right now, but our spirits remain sunny, nonetheless. Why? We will trot out a bit of insight from the Morning Mayor, who would say, “Every new day should be unwrapped like a precious gift.” To celebrate the notion, we are brewing still more cups of stimulation and invite you to join us. Our choice today is called Mardi Gras. We will leave it up to you to decipher this blend. And remember, a prescription is not required. Meanwhile, here are a few items of interest. Hope you have a smashing day and, of course, do stay in touch. …
Pharmaceutical companies promise that online prescribing will improve access for patients, but health policy experts worry that gaps in regulatory oversight leave patients vulnerable to the unique risks of the approach, STAT explains. Direct-to-consumer telehealth often falls into what some experts describe as a regulatory gray zone. Federal agencies like the U.S. Food and Drug Administration regulate drugs, including approved uses and claims made by ads and product labels. Meanwhile, states regulate the actual prescribing events — providers, pharmacies, and medical practice standards.
Reproductive health advocates and Democratic lawmakers are intensifying calls for the FDA to make contraceptives available without a prescription ahead of a closely watched advisory panel meeting next month, Axios tells us. Health experts say that making Opill, which is made by HRA Pharma, available without a prescription will prevent more unwanted pregnancies, and the need for abortions. But that hinges on whether insurers will cover it and whether the drugmaker, which is part of the consumer products giant Perrigo, makes it affordable to those paying out of pocket.
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