General Discussion

JVS

(61,935 posts)

17. Because it's not a drug, it's a hormone therapy.

Fri Mar 2, 2012, 09:02 PM

Mar 2012

Most OTC medication are simply drugs. You take the benedryl, the tylenol, the aspirin, etc. and the pain goes away (or sometimes it doesn't). The functionality of the drug is not an issue, what matters is that it metabolizes and that you know not to take over a certain amount. Birth control is an attempt to regulate the ovulation process, ideally with the least amount of hormones possible. This is best accomplished with a physician's supervision.

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Why aren't birth control pills OTC anyway? [View all] dkf Mar 2012 OP

They're hormones, and dosages need monitoring. The Velveteen Ocelot Mar 2012 #1

Very true HockeyMom Mar 2012 #2

Plan B is OTC.... ingac70 Mar 2012 #21

+1 GreenPartyVoter Mar 2012 #23

Birth control is OTC in many countries. girl gone mad Mar 2012 #27

I wonder why a lot of drugs aren't OTC. seeviewonder Mar 2012 #3

Because they interact and can do weird things to the body. Saving Hawaii Mar 2012 #37

Fair enough, but I wasn't speaking about Viagra. seeviewonder Mar 2012 #38

I've been waiting 25 years for the eardrops for swimmer's ear to go OTC starroute Mar 2012 #39

That's absolutely ridiculous. seeviewonder Mar 2012 #40

There are some weaker BCP's that can be OTC and the side-effects aren't serious at all... cynatnite Mar 2012 #4

no they shouldn't TorchTheWitch Mar 2012 #10

Not for the progesterone only pills... cynatnite Mar 2012 #15

You need the advice and expertise of a medical professional. Lone_Star_Dem Mar 2012 #5

BCP's should not be over the counter. Texasgal Mar 2012 #6

For strictly birth control and for a woman who has half a brain that knows her body... cynatnite Mar 2012 #9

I'm not too sure about that. Texasgal Mar 2012 #14

Well, you can disagree with the facts if you like... cynatnite Mar 2012 #16

The problem I have Texasgal Mar 2012 #24

Completely understand... cynatnite Mar 2012 #28

I hear ya! Texasgal Mar 2012 #29

How would you know it isn't working short of getting pregnant? dkf Mar 2012 #35

You know that, but would the average woman? Yo_Mama Mar 2012 #34

it ain't candy, you know! you think it should be easily available to boys? pre-teen girls? unblock Mar 2012 #7

Not all birth control pills are equal cynatnite Mar 2012 #13

the issue is insurance coverage Warren Stupidity Mar 2012 #8

Accordong to Limpballs... seeviewonder Mar 2012 #11

Well as long as they are prescription only and if the federal government is getting involved dkf Mar 2012 #20

I know what you mean. seeviewonder Mar 2012 #22

Is ProSense Mar 2012 #12

Because it's not a drug, it's a hormone therapy. JVS Mar 2012 #17

Tylenol is more dangerous than some birth control pills... cynatnite Mar 2012 #18

The danger depends on medical history loyalsister Mar 2012 #33

Strictly speaking none of those is "OTC" Spider Jerusalem Mar 2012 #25

This thread... Gold Metal Flake Mar 2012 #19

Same reason Viagra isn't Canuckistanian Mar 2012 #26

I asked my pharmacist if he carried Viagra customerserviceguy Mar 2012 #31

I can understand why a physician should be in charge of monitoring their use customerserviceguy Mar 2012 #30

That Sgent Mar 2012 #32

I wonder if they're cheaper from Canadian pharmacies customerserviceguy Mar 2012 #36