The Life Cycle of a Drug: Over-the-Counter Sales

Finally leaving the bar graph that was the basis of the series of posts in the links below, an eighth possibility in the life cycle of a drug is non-prescription over-the-counter sales. The antihistamines in this post are a good example, Benadryl and Allegra were switched to OTC sales, but Seldane was not approved. FDA approval of a drug for OTC sales unleashes the marketing departments of the various pharmaceutical companies from many restrictions that apply to prescription drugs. There is a period of marketing exclusivity until generic forms of the drugs become available on pharmacy shelves. The drugs are accessible to the consumer without the time and dollar costs of a doctor's visit.

The Life Cycle of a Drug: Pediatric Exclusivity 

The Life Cycle of a Drug: New Indication

The Life Cycle of a Drug: New Formulation

The Life Cycle of a Drug: Patient Retention 

The Life Cycle of a Drug: Next Generation Product 

The Life Cycle of a Drug: Authorized Generic 

The Life Cycle of a Drug: Strategic Pricing