[bduerst]

Market availability isn't the same as OTC distribution though.

The expensive clinical regulations that creates barriers to entry for the market and leads to monopolistic incumbents is not the same to being able to buy the good with or without an prescription.

The latter is tied more to remuneration from insurance companies - i.e. private insurance companies that are incentivized to not pay for prescriptions are more willing to only pay when care providers specifically order it.

[snagglegaggle]

Yes, yes, I know. But so many drugs requiring a prescription in the US is a market distortion similar to the high cost of bringing drugs to market. It reduces the availability of life saving medicines to people while attempting to minimize other dangers that are likely overstated. Frankly it seems like something doctors lobbied for to ensure a steady stream of office visits.

[bduerst]

Doubtful. Doctors are incentivized to not have to write prescriptions, because it legally shifts the liability (and malpractice claims) to them.

[snagglegaggle]

Whether they prescribe it or not is irrelevant, you still need to pay to ask them. Doctors are risk averse for that reason, among others, and most people I know loathe going to them because they never actually try to treat the problem.