Key result
Switching 16 drugs from prescription-only to over-the-counter status led to an average 36% increase in total sales after two years and an estimated yearly saving of SEK 2.5 billion.
Why the study?
Does changing drug status from Rx to OTC affect total sales and national drug budget?
Population
16 drugs changed from prescription only (Rx) status to the Swedish OTC market between 1980-1994
Comparison
Change from prescription only to… vs Prior prescription only (Rx) status
Design
Other
Follow-up
Up to 4 years after the change
Authors
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May support Rx-to-OTC policy for budget savings; leaves open effects on appropriate use and outcomes.
Observational
Does changing drug status from Rx to OTC affect total sales and national drug budget?
Changing drug status from prescription-only to OTC significantly increases total sales while generating substantial savings for the national drug budget.
Carlsten et al. (1996) conducted an observational in Rx-to-OTC drug switch. Rx-to-OTC switch vs. Prescription-only status (pre-switch) was evaluated on Total sales of drugs. Switching 16 drugs from prescription-only to over-the-counter status led to an average 36% increase in total sales after two years and an estimated yearly saving of SEK 2.5 billion.
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