Course Schedule and Catalog

Long Title: PHARMACEUTICAL POLITICS AND POLICY

Department: Social Sciences Division

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 3

Description: This course will introduce students to pharmacy policy, as essential aspect of public health. The approval of new medications, the differences between brand name drugs, generic, and over-the-counter drugs is considered along with the "shift movement," (prescription to OTC status). The development, distribution, marketing and consumption of pharmaceuticals are influenced by policy. All aspects of these processes are affected by the pharmaceutical industry, government (the FDA), Congress, insurance companies, pharmacists, hospitals, physicians, consumer representatives and patients. Regulatory issues, controlling the costs, state - federal relationships, cross-border purchases, and the global market for medication are discussed. Normative issues and ethical dilemmas will be discussed. Course taught at the School of Public Health medical Center one mile from Rice University campus; attendance required.