What is the difference between a prescription and an over-the-counter drug?
In California, the difference between a prescription and an over-the-counter (OTC) drug is defined by both the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). A prescription drug is one that requires a prescription from a licensed health care professional such as a doctor or nurse practitioner in order to be acquired and used. These drugs have a greater potential for causing harm when misused, so the DEA closely regulates the distribution and use of these drugs. An over-the-counter (OTC) drug, on the other hand, does not require a prescription and can be purchased at many retail locations or online. OTC drugs are generally used for minor symptoms or health issues, and because of their lower risk of harm, they are not as tightly regulated as prescription drugs. However, OTC drugs must still be approved by the FDA for safety and effectiveness before they can be sold to consumers. In conclusion, the difference between a prescription and an over-the-counter drug in California is that a prescription drug requires a prescription from a licensed healthcare professional in order for it to be acquired and used, while an OTC drug may be purchased without a prescription, however, it must still be approved by the FDA before it can be sold.
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