Who Needs Doctors, Anyway? Have you seen the TV ads for Prilosec OTC? A couple of weeks ago I told you about a flier I'd received in the mail announcing the launch of Prilosec OTC, an over-the-counter version of prescription Prilosec. Perfect, right? You don't have to visit the doctor, and it costs about $5 to $8 less PER PILL than its prescription counterpart. The voice-over on the advertisement says, "Prilosec OTC. Now that's a relief!" Yeah, a relief for their marketing department. Claritin is currently running a similar ad, stating: "The most-prescribed allergy medication is available without a prescription." Now that the patents for Prilosec and Claritin have run out - what do you know! - it turns out that consultation with a doctor wasn't necessary after all! So now you can just run out to your local RiteAid, Target or Safeway and take care of your heartburn and allergies without having to talk to some silly old DOCTOR about how these drugs might impact other health issues or conflict with other medication you may be taking. I wonder how long it will be before we see a display for nonprescription Ritalin in the Toys-R-Us check out aisle? To Your Good Health, Jenny Thompson
Health Sciences Institute | 
