It's Time for Over-the-Counter next‐​generation weight‐​loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy

I think this is generally a good proposal and would save a lot of money! At least it should be tried.

"To make these medicines widely available without breaking the bank, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) should do what it already does with some insulin products: Let consumers buy them “over the counter” (OTC). That is, without a prescription.

Drugs tend to be dramatically less expensive when they are available OTC. ..."

It's Time for Over-the-Counter Ozempic | Cato Institute There’s an easy way to lower the cost of next‐​generation weight‐​loss drugs. The new insulin‐​stimulating weight‐​loss drugs semaglutide and tirzepatide appear impressive. Studies suggest they help people shed pounds, reduce the likelihood of heart attacks and strokes, and may even treat kidney problems, HIV‐​related liver disease, alcoholism, and other maladies. It is easy to see why semaglutide was the top‐​selling drug in the United States in 2023 ($38.6 billion in sales), with tirzepatide coming in eighth ($13.2 billion).

Over The Counter Birth Control

Posted: 6/19/2019

The Cato Institute just came out with a paper titled “Over-The-Counter Birth Control? Bring It On” (published 6/13/19). Sounds enticing to any classical liberal without looking at the details. Unfortunately, the author, i.e.  Jeffrey A. Singer (Senior Fellow at the Cato Institute), is very naive and simplistic in his approach like a typical libertarian!

Of course, paternalism is to be reduced, women would have easier and more convenient access, and lower prices for contraceptives if over the counter becomes reality. The arguments in favor of over the counter are clearly winning!

However, the author of this article completely ignores to address the litigious situation in the U.S. If women become pregnant despite taking over the counter contraceptives, who will pay for the litigation and damages? Probably not Mr. Singer!

P.S.

I have recently blogged about the decline of the Cato Institute here.