The FDA is considering allowing more drugs to become over-the-counter as their patents run out. This, of course, would make it possible for Big Pharma to make greater profits. However, there are serious challenges related to safety in using drugs such as statins and drugs for type 2 diabetes that would emerge. Most people are not sufficiently educated to use drugs like these and could result in misuse and unnecessary side effects and deaths.
Further, we cannot trust Big Pharma to be honest in its direct to consumer ads that hyperinflate the positive benefits of their drugs and minimize the side effects. This policy would also reinforce the myth that drugs are the best way to deal with our health issues.
