PRESCRIPTIONS AND DRUGS
Keywords:
Prescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs, drug regulation, prescribing practices, NHS prescriptions, controlled substances, FDA, prescription costs, healthcare professionals, drug disposal, medication safety, prescription drug marketing, drug misuse and abuse, prescription charges, and healthcare access.Abstract
This article explores the regulation of prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, focusing on their legal frameworks, prescribing practices, and the safety measures implemented in both the UK and the US. In the UK, prescription drugs are tightly controlled to prevent misuse and are dispensed only with a valid prescription from a licensed medical practitioner. The article highlights the varying definitions of prescription drugs across jurisdictions and discusses the role of medical professionals such as doctors, nurses, and pharmacists in prescribing medications. It also addresses the NHS prescription system, including charges and exemptions, and the challenges posed by prescription costs for patients. In the US, the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act defines the substances that require prescriptions, with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) overseeing drug safety. The article details the prescribing rights of healthcare professionals, the regulation of controlled substances under the Controlled Substances Act, and the safety and effectiveness of prescription drugs under the Prescription Drug Marketing Act. Additionally, the article discusses the disposal guidelines for prescription drugs set by the FDA. Both countries’ systems aim to balance patient safety with access to necessary medications, while minimizing the risks of misuse and abuse.
References
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4. National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2021). Controlled Substances Act. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Retrieved from https://www.drugabuse.gov
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6. FDA. (2007). Guidelines for Disposal of Unused Prescription Drugs. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov
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8. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). (2020). Regulation of Medicines in the UK. MHRA. Retrieved from https://www.gov.uk
