AAFP Says No to "Safe Use" Class of Drugs

The American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) has voiced its opposition to an FDA proposal that would allow pharmacists to dispense some drugs without a prescription. Currently, the FDA approves drugs either as prescription or nonprescription, but the agency is considering adding a third class of drugs called "safe use" drugs, which would be regulated much as over-the-counter drugs are now, but with extra controls. "The AAFP recognizes the important role of pharmacists in the provision of high quality healthcare; however, this proposed new paradigm would allow patients to receive powerful prescription drugs without the input of a physician," Roland Goertz, MD, chairman of AAFP board, wrote in an April 30 letter to FDA Commissioner Margaret Hamburg.