Laws on Abusing Over the Counter Drugs

Generic drug containers include foil seals.

People rely on over the counter drugs as the most accessible form of medication in the United States. As of February 2011, six out of 10 drugs purchased by consumers are over the counter, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Over 300,000 different types of over the counter medications are available in the U.S. Many laws exist to govern the distribution and consumption of these drugs. The purpose of these laws is to prevent drug abuse and to promote health and safety. Contact the FDA if you suspect anyone of breaking over the counter drug laws.

Labeling Law

The Code of Federal Regulations compiles all over the counter drug laws according to the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act. One of the main laws regards over the counter drug labeling. Law 21 CFR Part 330 of requires all drug labels to list ingredients and safety precautions for using the drug. Specifically, all labels must present a dosage recommendation. These recommendations act as dosage rules and guidelines to help users partake of medications safely and to refrain from overuse or abuse.

Monograph Corrections

Labels must be constantly monitored and modified immediately if drug manufacturers find that labeling is at all incorrect. According to 21 CFR 314.70, label modifications can include any assortment of adjustments to offer concise and accurate information to consumers. Modifications may include dosage adjustments, warnings on who should or should not use the drug or addictive effects associated with the medication. Monograph corrections must include a cover letter, the most recent example of the product labeling and a detailed description of the needed modification. Monograph corrections keep consumers updated with timely on the product and are important to preventing drug abuse.

Safety of Minors

All public schools must now be completely drug free, according to the enactment of the 1986 Anti-Drug Enforcement Act. The Drug-Free Schools and Communities portion of the act made it law to prohibit children from carrying onto premises any form of medication -- including over the counter drugs. All over the counter medications must be obtained from school nurses or a child must by granted permission to carry his or her own generic medication on their person while on school grounds.

State Regulations

State laws also work in conjunction with federal laws to cut down on unlawful over the counter drug activity and thus diminishing abuse. For example, The Drug Control Act of Virginia prohibits any person or establishment from selling and/or advertising the sale of any over the counter drugs without the proper permits. Additionally, the state health regulatory board of Virginia can adjust or revoke what drugs and/or ingredients in drugs it deems healthy and safe.

References

• Food and Drug Administration: Over the Counter Drug Information and Laws
• Library of Congress: Anti-Drug Enforcement Act
• Clear White Light: Drug Control Act of Virginia