Getting to know the basics of Insurance Terminology and Drug Interaction

How Medications are Classified

Medications are generally divided into two groups. What are those two groups?

  1. Over-the-counter drug (OTC) medications, which are available in pharmacies and supermarkets without special restrictions, but does include instructions or use and usage amounts. Most Over-the-counter drug (OTC) medication is generally considered to be safe enough that most persons will not hurt themselves accidentally by taking it as instructed.
  2. Prescription only medicines (POM), which must be prescribed by a physician, physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or dentist.

Medications are typically produced by pharmaceutical companies and are often patented. Those that are not patented are called generic drugs.