The drugs that are no longer available on prescription are Vioxx (rofecoxib) and Darvon (propoxyphene), as well as those that have been switched to over-the-counter (OTC) status, like certain Allegra products.
The prescription drugs availability also can be impacted by new rules that restrict online prescriptions for certain controlled substances, such as Adderall and Ambien, which might now require an in person visit for the prescription.
And some compound versions of drugs, like weight loss drugs have also been stopped by the FDA.
The drug Vioxx also known as rofecoxib been withdrawn due to an increased risk of heart attacks and strokes.
Meridia also known as sibutramine was withdrawn due to an increased risk of strokes and heart attacks.
Darvon and Darvocet also known as (propoxyphene/dextropropoxyphene) was withdrawn due to serious heart rhythm abnormalities.
Belviq also known as lorcaserin was withdrawn due to an increased risk of cancer.
And Zantac also known as ranitidine was withdrawn due to contamination with a probable human carcinogen.
The most prescribed drug in the United States is atorvastatin.
The drug atorvastatin is a statin that is used to lower cholesterol and reduce a persons risk of heart disease.
And in 2023, the drug atorvastatin was prescribed over 115 million times in the United States.
This makes the drug atorvastatin, the most frequently prescribed medication and drug in the United States.
Other most prescribed drugs in the United States are the drug levothyroxine and metformin.
Levothyroxine is a drug that is used for treating hypothyroidism.
Metformin is a drug that is prescribed for treating of type 2 diabetes.
And atorvastatin is a statin that helps prevent heart attacks and strokes by lowering your high cholesterol levels.
Atorvastatin was recalled and is a large recall that is potentially affecting hundreds of thousands of people.
Although the atorvastatin recall is only the latest in a series of concerning manufacturing issues, which have come to light since 2019.
The most serious side effects of atorvastatin are severe muscle damage (rhabdomyolysis) and liver damage.
Other serious side effects include a severe allergic reaction and potential kidney problems, which can be linked to muscle breakdown.
You should stop taking atorvastatin and call a doctor or call 911 straight away if you get unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, weakness or cramps as these can be signs of muscle breakdown and kidney damage.