The switch of Zocor  
12 May 2004

On May 12, the UK's Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency approved the prescription to nonprescription switch of Zocor (simvastatin), 10 mg, to reduce the risk of a first major coronary event in people who are likely to be at moderate risk of coronary heart disease. Zocor will be the first statin to be sold without a prescription in the world. It will be available from behind the pharmacist's counter. The agency emphasized that the case was made convincingly that the balance of potential health benefits and any possible risks is overwhelmingly positive. WSMI member association in the UK PAGB  applauded the move, pointing out that it takes self-care to a new level, focusing on preventing a serious illness, not just treating self-limiting conditions.