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Meth Causes Second U.S. Town to Require Scripts for Cold Meds

  • October 22, 2009
  • RPh on the Go

Union, Mo. Has just become the second town in the United States that will require a prescription for commonly used cold medications. Following in the footsteps of Washington, Mo., Union is attempting to curb the sales of cold medication to combat the town’s major problem with methamphetamine production and use.

Towns across the United States have taken action in recent years by moving medications that include pseudoephedrine, the major ingredient in methamphetamine, behind the pharmacy counters. Most require ID to buy the medications and some areas even record and limit the number of packages that individuals are allowed to buy.  Oregon is the only state with a state-wide prescription requirement for pseudoephedrine medications.

Critics suggest that the move will increase health care costs and be inconvenient to those who are used to getting the items over the counter. Pharmacists in the area say they have not heard any major outcry from consumers.  They note that most seem willing to put up with the inconvenience in the hope that it will curb the meth problem in their communities.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/33316392

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