Medical Update - January 21, 2005

Friday, January 21st 2005, 9:31 am

By: News On 6

Health experts in Southeast Asia have new warning following the deadly tsunami. And a FDA panel takes a stand against the over-the-counter sale of a popular cholesterol lowering drug.

Here's News on 6 anchor LeAnne Taylor with this Medical Update.

This week, the FDA could revisit making the morning after pill available over the counter. Last year the Food and Drug Administration denied an initial request from the makers of Plan B to sell the emergency contraception without a doctor's prescription.

The FDA cited concerns about girls under the age of 16 buying and using the pill. The company is now proposing drug stores check customer's ages to be sure they are least 16.

A FDA advisory panel is urging regulators to reject allowing sales of a popular cholesterol lowering drug with out a prescription. The panel said the drug Mevacor should not be available over the counter because of doubts it can be used safely without doctor's guidance. The panel voted against a proposal from Mevacor's maker to sell a non-prescription form of the drug.

In South Asia health experts are not only worried about widespread outbreak of disease but also the psychological toll of the tsunamis. European health ministers are urging governments to be mindful of the emotional trauma caused by so much death and destruction.

Asian officials said up to 3 quarters of their local health personnel have not been able to work because of depression.