Switch – The German process for moving medicines from prescription to non-prescription status

Abstract Background Germany has a long tradition of switch and has long been considered one of the most liberal countries in terms of the release of modern active substances from prescription, the so-called switch. In the period 2000–2016, a total of more than 30 active ingredients – partly in different dosage strengths, dosage forms or indications – were released from prescription status in Germany. Of these, almost half can be described as “innovative” switches. Recently a significant decline of filed switch proposals can be noted, with only a few being successful. Methods Reflecting that the German switch pro…