Over-the-counter medicines: in whose best interests?

摘要

Last week, the European Union (EU) approved the anti-obesity drug, orlistat, for sale over-the-counter (OTC). Going by the trade name Alii, orlistat is already available OTC in the USA and Australia. The EU decision means that this drug can now be sold by pharmacists throughout Europe to people with a body-mass index over 28 in 60 mg tablets-half the recommended daily dose-after consultation.