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.
