Why isn't birth control in the US an over the counter drug?

[BoyNextDoor]

Seems like it should be.

 

[hashtag45]

Because like many prescription drugs they have contraindications and drug interactions.

So thread closed.
//

 

[lovecraft68]

Because there's too many pharmacy's for the Christians to picket and harass young girls at.

 

[JohnnySavage]

It is

http://images1.laweekly.com/imager/10-condom-reviews-for-the-well-endowed-man/u/original/4204814/trojan_magnum_xl.jpg

 

[neci]

It is

http://images1.laweekly.com/imager/10-condom-reviews-for-the-well-endowed-man/u/original/4204814/trojan_magnum_xl.jpg

http://www.owned.lv/images/x3x8674c9fb5e10d6e47e1454a4975e33a2.jpg

 

[phrodeau]

So kids can't get them in secret.

 

[BoyNextDoor]

Because like many prescription drugs they have contraindications and drug interactions.

So thread closed.
//

False.

The pill meets F.D.A. criteria for over-the-counter medications. Women don’t need a doctor to tell them whether they need the pill — they know when they are sexually active and want to avoid pregnancy. Pill instructions are easy to follow: Take one each day. There’s no chance of becoming addicted. Taking too many will make you nauseated, but won’t endanger your life, in contrast to some over-the-counter drugs, like analgesics. (There are even side benefits to taking the pill, like reduced risks of ovarian and uterine cancer.)

It’s true that the pill could be dangerous for women with certain conditions. Women who are 35 or older and smoke, and those with high blood pressure, are at greater risk of a heart attack or stroke if they take oral contraceptives that combine estrogen and progestin. But these are not complicated conditions to identify; women already have to tell their doctor about their health problems when they get a prescription, and research shows that women can screen themselves for contraindications almost as well as providers do.

 

[dolf]

Because they can be extremely dangerous to the wrong people, because there are many potential side effects, and women taking them need regular check ups and proper advice.

It's not like popping the occasional aspirin.

 

[BoyNextDoor]

Because they can be extremely dangerous to the wrong people, because there are many potential side effects, and women taking them need regular check ups and proper advice.

It's not like popping the occasional aspirin.

Again, False.

 

[dolf]

Again, False.

Well, no. All of those things are true. As you posted yourself, there are high risk groups. I've had, and have known several people who have had, extremely unpleasant side effects.

If it was safe OTC, if the data proved it so, I believe it would be in the UK. The NHS costs are high, it's one of the few drugs there are no prescription charges for, so there's no incentive to keep it prescription only.

Morning after pills (plan B, over there?) Has been made available with a pharmacist consultation and health check, because the data backed it up and it saves the NHS money.

 

[eyerami]

Fucking wannabe's just whining because he's having a tough time getting some during his ongoing gender-reassignment escapade.

 

[dolf]

Also, anything weight and age related, especially if it can cause relationship rifts, there's a fairly high chance that women would convince themselves that they're healthy for their weight/age and take it anyway. People can be dumb. Talking to a doc means an informed discussion of other options.

 

[pink]

Because they can be extremely dangerous to the wrong people, because there are many potential side effects, and women taking them need regular check ups and proper advice.

It's not like popping the occasional aspirin.

Hi dolfie!!!


I got a PE due to being on birth control. No more hormones for me.

 

[hashtag45]

Because they can be extremely dangerous to the wrong people, because there are many potential side effects, and women taking them need regular check ups and proper advice.

It's not like popping the occasional aspirin.

Exactly. On top of the other risks : they're a long-term medication, which increases the risks.

Most OTC drugs are one-off, even if some of them do have potential complications.

 

[BoyNextDoor]

Agreed, dolf. At the end of the day there are OTC medications that far exceed the risks of the pill that you have cited, and they are available OTC because ... ?

 

[pink]

Agreed, dolf. At the end of the day there are OTC medications that far exceed the risks of the pill that you have cited, and they are available OTC because ... ?

I kinda have to disagree with you. Birth control just about killed me.

 

[LIVINRFANTASIES]

Because doctors make money off prescriptions and the visits needed before, during, and after.

 

[BoyNextDoor]

Exactly. On top of the other risks : they're a long-term medication, which increases the risks.

Most OTC drugs are one-off, even if some of them do have potential complications.

People have been putting themselves on a daily aspirin regimen for the better part of 15 years. Ibuprofen usage is daily for a huge percentage of the population despite the clear evidence of the liver damage. Laxatives are an OTC drug being used daily. Again, the facts are against you.

 

[dolf]

Agreed, dolf. At the end of the day there are OTC medications that far exceed the risks of the pill that you have cited, and they are available OTC because ... ?

Because you Americans are crazy?

Joking aside, there are things you can buy that I could only get on prescription. And ads on TV to get people to request all manner of medication from their doctor. I don't think the pharmaceutical culture over there is very healthy.

And... women might take BC every day for 40 years. That's not the case for other OTC meds.

 

[BoyNextDoor]

Because you Americans are crazy?

Joking aside, there are things you can buy that I could only get on prescription. And ads on TV to get people to request all manner of medication from their doctor. I don't think the pharmaceutical culture over there is very healthy.

And... women might take BC every day for 40 years. That's not the case for other OTC meds.

Overweight, hypertense, 40+ year old women that smoke and drink should not take the pill. But that is something that is on the label. Do not need an RX or a Doctor to read that and understand if you fit the category.

 

[BoyNextDoor]

Again, just saying there are a lot of drugs that are OTC where the risk is greater than the pill.

 

[yossi]

I wouldn't feel comfortable taking otc hormonal medication everyday without involving my obgyn.

 

[BoyNextDoor]

I wouldn't feel comfortable taking otc hormonal medication everyday without involving my obgyn.

That is wise

 

[dolf]

People have been putting themselves on a daily aspirin regimen for the better part of 15 years. Ibuprofen usage is daily for a huge percentage of the population despite the clear evidence of the liver damage. Laxatives are an OTC drug being used daily. Again, the facts are against you.

All those meds say that they are for occasion use, but the pill is designed for long term use, so if all meds are used properly, it's a far greater concern.

Tackling the misuse of other meds would make more sense than adding to the problem.

 

[BoyNextDoor]

All those meds say that they are for occasion use, but the pill is designed for long term use, so if all meds are used properly, it's a far greater concern.

Tackling the misuse of other meds would make more sense than adding to the problem.

What problem?