Author Question: As drugs near the end of their patent, pharmaceutical companies may apply for the drug to change to ... (Read 41 times)

aabwk4 · **on:** Jul 24, 2018

As drugs near the end of their patent, pharmaceutical companies may apply for the drug to change to over-the-counter status in order to:

1. Get a new patent for the over-the-counter form of the drug
2. Lower the costs because most prescription benefit plans do not cover generics
3. Market the drug to a whole new population, as they are able to market to patients instead of just providers
4. Continue to make large profits from their blockbuster brand-name drug

Question 2

Common over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen:

1. Are always safer for the patient than prescription pain medication
2. Are harmful if taken in higher than recommended amounts
3. Have minimal interaction with prescription medications
4. Should never be given to children unless recommended by their provider

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