[s1artibartfast]

Is that true for every type and format? You can walk into walmart and get regular and NPH insulin over the counter, no questions asked. Newer ones require a Rx.

I do think that the US is obnoxiously conservative, and far more medications should be OTC.

Instead, you cant even buy kidney friendly cat food without an expensive Rx from a vet and tons of controls. Heaven forbit someone buy it without proper consultation. Think of the Kittens!

Edit: after some reading, it seems that Canada and US are outliers in the west for allowing OTC insulin. UK and Europe requires Rx for all insulin.

Asia is more mixed. Japan, Korea: Rx required. China, Rx on paper, OTC in practice. India OTC

[dehrmann]

> you cant even buy kidney friendly cat food without an expensive Rx from a vet and tons of controls

There are a few law suits over this. Essentially, the claim is that they call it "prescription," but it has no prescription medications in it and isn't approved by the FDA to treat anything. So if you have an extra bag and sell it, this is OK since it isn't actually a drug, it's allegedly a price fixing scheme between vets and pet food makers.

[cperciva]

Is that true for every type and format

Yes, OTC for everything. I've heard that some pharmacists ask more questions about types which are commonly abused by body builders but that's about the extent of it.

Funny story since you mention cats: My brother's cat was diabetic and prescribed long acting insulin which cost $250/vial. I looked it up and... apparently it was just relabeled lantus, because of course nobody is going to waste money on a separate manufacturing line. Ended up buying it from my local pharmacy, without a prescription, instead of using the vet prescription.