Safety or Profit? The Prescription Drug Classification Dilemma
The classification of prescription medications varies significantly between countries, reflecting different healthcare systems and regulatory environments. In the U.S., the FDA classifies many drugs as prescription-only based on safety and abuse potential. Conversely, countries like India and Thailand allow over-the-counter access to many of these medications. This article explores the reasons behind these differences and examines whether U.S. regulations are driven by safety concerns or commercial interests, and how reclassification could potentially reduce healthcare costs and improve access.