The over-the-counter (OTC) availability of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) was associated with a significant decrease in the rate of primary care physician (PCP) visits for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in the U.S. Findings from this study were published in The Journal of Clinical Pharmacology.
http://www.empr.com/news/rx-to-otc-switch-for-ppis-linked-to-reduced-pcp-visits-for-gerd/article/535655/
Rx-to-OTC Switch for PPIs Linked to Reduced PCP Visits for GERD