Q&A: OTC value grows

Drug Store News caught up with Consumer Healthcare Products Association president Linda Suydam for her take on the business of over-the-counter medicines in 2008.

DrSN: What is the state of the OTC industry today?

Suydam: OTC medicines continue to play an increasingly significant role in the health and well-being of Americans. As the industry’s role continues to grow, we are seeing more scrutiny from our regulators, legislators and the media. Despite some of the challenges that come with that scrutiny, however, we are strong and continue to thrive. All of the challenges we’ve faced in the last year have made us stronger. Our member companies understand the importance of a united front and a common purpose. Overall, the state of the OTC industry is good. We continue to grow the market, and consumers continue to value the medicines that they have relied on.

DrSN: What are the top three initiatives that CHPA will be pursuing this year?

Suydam: It’s too difficult to single out only three initiatives with so many new and exciting endeavors under way. One of our top priorities continues to be strengthening science through new research and technologies. Currently, we are engaged in pharmacokinetic studies to confirm correct dosing for pediatric cough-cold medicines, and are also committed to doing efficacy studies in children to reaffirm the efficacy of children’s cough-cold medicines.

Of equal importance are our efforts to educate consumers. Through our educational foundation—which has an updated look [with] OTCsafety.org—we are working to provide the most comprehensive and up-to-date information for consumers on the safe and appropriate use of OTC medicines. In addition, aside from our efforts on Capitol Hill supporting federal age restrictions of cough medicine, as well as restrictions on the sale of the unfinished, raw form of dextromethorphan, we are continuing to raise awareness in communities nationwide about the dangers of cough-medicine abuse.

DrSN: What challenges lay ahead for the industry this year?

Suydam: Recently, we’ve seen our share of challenges both from a regulatory perspective [and] from Capitol Hill. Efforts are already under way to address some of the specific concerns raised by [Rep.] Henry Waxman, [D-Calif.], and Sen. Ted Kennedy, [D-Mass.], regarding the Food and Drug Administration’s regulation of OTC medicines. We are also expanding our efforts beyond those offices by actively educating congressional offices about the robust safety and effectiveness review the FDA has conducted for all OTC medicines.

While we are currently waiting for further direction from FDA on the issues surrounding oral pediatric cough-cold medicines, we know that challenges lie ahead. We continue to stand behind the safety and efficacy of these medicines, but recognize that a renewed examination is warranted.