These drugs used to be prescription only. They got over-the-counter approval last week
An arthritis pain drug and two kinds of eye drops that treat allergic reactions received FDA approval Friday to make the transition from prescription only to over-the-counter sales.
Voltaren
Prescription name: Voltaren Gel 1%
Over-the-counter name: Voltaren Arthritis Pain
Prescription approval: 2007
What it treats: Common arthritis and osteoarthritis joint pain. The FDA states it’s “not for immediate relief and might take up to seven days to work.”
Be careful if: You’re allergic to aspirin, pregnant or breastfeeding. “This product should not be used during the last three months of pregnancy unless the consumer is definitely directed to do so by a doctor,” the FDA states. According to the agency, the active ingredient, diclofenac, can cause problems in the fetus or during childbirth.
Pataday Twice Daily Relief
Prescription name: Patanol
Over-the-counter name: Pataday Twice Daily Relief
Prescription approval: 1996
What it treats: Symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis (red eyes, itchy eyes).
Be careful if: The itching or redness worsens or lasts more than three days.
Pataday Once Daily Relief
Prescription name: Pataday
Over-the-counter name: Pataday Once Daily Relief
Prescription approval: 2004
What it treats: Itching from allergic conjunctivitis.
Be careful if: The itching or redness worsens or lasts more than three days.
This story was originally published February 17, 2020 at 9:38 AM.
