NOT OTC

Over-the-counter medicines are nearly non-existent in Belgium, perhaps in all of Europe.  If you have a headache, sore throat, runny nose, or diarrhea, you will only find help at the local pharmacy.  My "Things to Buy in the States" list always includes Tylenol, Advil, Nyquil, etc.  

I've gotten used to asking the pharmacist when I need something and since our closest pharmacy is next door and the pharmacist is our landlord, it's pretty easy.

However, it occurred to me the other day that perhaps some meds should be available over-the-counter here and in the States.  So why aren't they?

Did you ever think about why contraceptives require a doctor's visit?  Is there anything the doctor will tell you that can't be clearly indicated on the packaging?  Tylenol and Benadryl can be more dangerous and have greater side effects.  Even the morning-after pill is available to anyone of any age OTC!

I mean, after all, cigarettes and alcohol only require a trip to the grocery store as long as you're over 21.  No matter how old you are, you will not run to the grocery store for oral contraceptives.  Instead, you will make an appointment to see a doctor.

Strangely enough, it's the higher income countries like the U.S., Canada, and most of Europe where a prescription for contraceptives is required.  Much of the rest of the world, like China and India, has access to contraceptives over-the-counter.

I'm sure there's a good reason . . . I just haven't found one.