WANT SUDAFED? WE CARD A dozen U.S. senators want to put nonprescription cold medicines that contain pseudoephedrine -- the main ingredient used to make the scourge-of-the-heartland recreational drug methamphetamine -- behind the counter. Consumers would have to talk with a pharmacy worker and show photo ID before purchasing Sudafed, Tylenol flu medicine or similar remedies.
Law enforcement officials applaud the proposed legislation, which is based on a 2003 Oklahoma law. But drug industry groups are lining up against it, arguing that it would create unacceptable barriers for customers with a headache, fever or runny nose.
"It will limit access for the legitimate consumers to cough and cold products," said Mary Ann Wagner, vice president for pharmacy regulatory affairs at the National Association of Chain Drug Stores. "They're going to have to wait in line with everybody else, take the pharmacist away from their prescription customers to police the sales of the pseudoephedrine products."
Oklahoma officials say their law has driven down meth lab activity by more than 80 percent.
SPEAK UP So advises the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations, in a campaign urging patients to be more assertive to avoid joining the 7,000 Americans who die each year from medication errors. Tips include: "Make sure the doctor or nurse checks your wristband and asks your name before giving you medicine" and "Ask for written information about [a new drug], including its brand and generic names." A brochure and wallet card are available at www.jcaho.org (click on "General Public" then "Speak Up Initiatives").
-- News Services and Staff Reports
