FDA Could Approve More Rx to OTC “Pharmacist diagnosis and OTC treatment is not a bad alternative.” -Bob Ehrlich In a move causing significant debate and emotion, the FDA is considering making more Rx drugs available. FDA held a hearing March 22-23 on the subject. They have the comment period running through this week. The [...]
Obamacare Debate at the DTC National “I prefer a private system to squeeze costs…” -Bob Ehrlich Yes, I know Obamacare is not the name of the health reform act. I was reminded of that by one of the speakers supporting the law. That being acknowledged I will continue to use the term throughout this column [...]
Consumers Ration Spending on Drugs “Consumer product advantages need to be considered early on…” -Bob Ehrlich The economy has not surprisingly impacted consumer spending behavior on healthcare. IMS released some interesting data in their report on use of medicines in the United States. While spending in 2011 rose 3.7% to $320 billion, it was only [...]
Detailing and Sampling Declines and DTC “DTC is an easy to execute alternative option to offer information.” -Bob Ehrlich The trend is clear. Drug companies have dramatically cut detailing and sampling in the past 5 years. According to ZS Associates, reps totaled 102,000 in 2007 and are projected to be at 75,000 in 2012. TNS [...]
