Prescription Drugs

From Pharmacy Drug Guide

Prescription drugs are medications that require a medical professional's authorization for use. In the United States, the federal government regulates prescription drugs. Physicians, nurse practitioners, dentists, veterinarians, psychologists, and optometrists can each prescribe certain categories of prescription drugs. Some prescription drugs treat medical conditions themselves, while others (such as pain relievers) may only treat symptoms.

Contents 1 Prescription Drugs 2 United States Regulation of Prescription Drugs 3 Generic vs. Prescription Drugs 4 Prescription Drug Abuse 5 Prescription Drug Side Effects 6 References

Prescription Drugs

United States Regulation of Prescription Drugs

In the United States, prescription drug regulation is governed by the Prescription Drug Marketing Act of 1987. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) oversees the regulation of prescription drugs as well as over-the-counter (OTC) drugs and biological therapeutics.^[7] This oversight includes approving drugs, determining which conditions a drug may be prescribed for, overseeing clinical trials, and monitoring reported side effects and adverse reactions.

Generic vs. Prescription Drugs

When a prescription drug is covered by a patent, it can only be manufactured and marketed by the patent holder. After the patent expires, other manufacturers can apply to the FDA to market generic generic versions of the drug. Generics use the same active ingredients as brand name drugs, and are identical in dosage and intended use.^[3] Inactive ingredients may vary.

Prescription Drug Abuse

Prescription drugs are abused when people take drugs that were not prescribed for them, or when they are taken in a manner not consistent with the prescription. According to the National Institutes of Health, "In 2008, 15.2 million Americans age 12 and older had taken a prescription pain reliever, tranquilizer, stimulant, or sedative for non-medical purposes at least once in the year prior to being surveyed."^[8]

The federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) reported on July 15, 2010, that the use of prescription drugs for non-medically prescribed purposes increased 400% between 1998 and 2008. According to SAMHSA Administrator Pamela S. Hyde, J.D., "The non-medical use of prescription pain-relievers is now the second most prevalent form of illicit drug use in the nation, and its tragic consequences are seen in substance abuse treatment centers and hospital emergency departments throughout our nation."^[9]

Prescription Drug Side Effects

Every drug has the potential to cause side effects. These can range from annoying to life-threatening. Some of the most common side effects include upset stomach for oral medications and skin irritation for drugs applied to the skin. In general, dangerous side effects are relatively rare with most prescriptions.

In some cases, side effects are produced when prescriptions are combined with other drugs or substances. For example, alcohol mixed with certain pain medications can result in breathing problems.^[10]

Also See: Drug Savings, Drug Coupons, Drug Side Effects, Patient Assistance Programs, Free Drug Samples, Marijuana

References

1. ↑ http://www.nida.nih.gov/infofacts/PainMed.html
2. ↑ http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/ResourcesForYou/Consumers/QuestionsAnswers/ucm100100.htm
3. ↑ ^{3.0 3.1} http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/EmergencyPreparedness/BioterrorismandDrugPreparedness/ucm134451.htm
4. ↑ http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch/HowToReport/ucm053074.htm
5. ↑ http://www.cnn.com/2007/HEALTH/07/09/antidepressants/index.html
6. ↑ http://www.whitehousedrugpolicy.gov/drugfact/prescr_drg_abuse.html
7. ↑ http://www.fda.gov/AboutFDA/CentersOffices/CDER/ucm082129.htm
8. ↑ http://www.nida.nih.gov/drugpages/prescription.html
9. ↑ http://www.samhsa.gov/newsroom/advisories/1007140544.aspx
10. ↑ http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/drug-side-effects-explained