Just the other day, while pondering the high cost of heath care, I wondered to myself why so many medications are available by prescription only. For example, a decongestant that my doctor once prescribed for me is nothing more than pseudoephedrine and guaifenesin (both available over the counter as Sudafed and Mucinex), but the generic prescription was about $3.50 — lower than my insurance deductible. The equivalent amount purchased separately, over the counter, would be closer to $25.

I don’t mind having to sign for it, but to have to see the doctor first? It seems silly. The same could be said for silver sulfadiazine — the world’s best burn ointment, which is a really handy thing to have around.

Boots pharmacy, in London, will begin selling what’s been termed the greatest recreational drug of our time without a prescription (though with a BP check and quick medical history review by the pharmacist) on Valentine’s Day.

Obviously, there are many meds that need to remain by prescription only, but I suspect that many could be reasonably sold OTC even if they carried a signature requirement.

Now, let SK2 go to work on the comments section!