FDA meeting to evaluate Mevacor going OTC

FDA to hold joint meeting to evaluate Merck's OTC use of Mevacor to help lower cholesterol and prevent heart attack.

In the Oct. 23 Federal Register, the FDA announced a joint meeting of the Nonprescription Drugs and Endocrinologic & Metabolic Drugs advisory committees to be held in Washington, D.C., on Dec. 13. The committees will evaluate data submitted by Merck & Co to support the over-the-counter use of Mevacor (lovastatin) 20 mg a day to help lower cholesterol, which may prevent a first heart attack. For background material, visit