Medicines, Prescription: HSA Eligibility

What are prescription medicines?

Some medicines must be prescribed to treat a disease or condition. They may be brand-name or generic. A prescription is required for prescription medicine because of their considerations for safety, abuse potential, and ease of self-management. The drug's therapeutic index is a major factor in determining whether a drug can be sold Over-the-Counter (OTC) or must be prescribed (U.S. Food and Drug Administration).

The therapeutic index describes the range of effects on the user between dosages that effectively treat, relieve or alleviate a medical condition or disease, and the dosages that produce side effects or harm.

Abuse potential describes a drug's potential for inappropriate use in order to produce unintended side effects such as drug intoxication, or a high.

Ease of self-management describes a drug's likelihood of needing to its dosage adjusted to remain effective and safe for the user. Over-the-Counter (OTC) drugs typically can be taken in manageable dosages, whereas prescription drugs may require more specific dosages that can't be effectively stocked in drug stores, or may be too dangerous if taken in the wrong amount.