US FDA, Barr to discuss looser Plan B sales
Posted on: Monday, 31 July 2006, 11:00 CDT
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. Food and Drug Administration and Barr Pharmaceuticals Inc. will meet to discuss the possible approval of nonprescription sales of the Plan B "morning-after" contraceptive to women 18 and older, the agency said on Monday.
An FDA proposal would allow women 18 and older to buy Plan B without a prescription, but the product would be kept behind pharmacy counters and women would have to ask a pharmacist for it, an FDA official said.
Younger women still would need a prescription for Plan B, a set of pills that can prevent pregnancy if taken within 72 hours of sexual intercourse.
The FDA hopes remaining issues can be resolved within weeks, the official said.
The announcement came one day before Acting FDA Commissioner Andrew von Eschenbach is scheduled to appear before a Senate committee considering his nomination to become the agency's permanent chief.
Two senators have promised to block a vote on von Eschenbach's nomination unless the agency decides whether to approve over-the-counter sales of Plan B.
Barr shares were up 1.8 percent to $49.70 in midday trading on the New York Stock Exchange.
Source: REUTERS
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