This is the case, for example, when: Data from clinical testing, results of pharmacological research, decisions of other countries' pharmaceutical institutions as well as recommendations from the European Medicines Association are pooled to assess the classification of a drug.
Generally, drugs are scheduled depending on their potential for abuse and health damage.
Depending on the clinical experience, Swiss medic then reschedules the drug as A, B, D or E. Pharmaceutical companies can apply for a lower scheduling in order to sell their products without prescription.
Swissmedic can also reschedule the drug in a higher category when it becomes aware of safety risks.
Under the Swiss mandatory basic health insurance, only the costs for necessary drugs are reimbursed, with a 10% deductible.