Pseudoephedrine (PSE) is a safe and effective active ingredient found in leading cold, allergy, and sinus medicines to provide congestion relief. While over 18 million American families rely on these medicines every year, PSE can also be used in the illegal manufacture of methamphetamine. As a result, some policymakers and law enforcement officials in a number of states support requiring a doctor’s prescription to obtain PSE-containing medicines, even though the vast majority of these medicines are sold to law-abiding consumers.
Preventing Illegal Meth Production
CHPA takes the diversion of its members' medicines very seriously and remains committed to working with elected officials to ensure states have the necessary tools to combat illegal sales of PSE. Mandating prescription-only sale of these common cold medicines, however, would be ineffective and burden those who depend on these medicines for relief with unnecessary and costly visits to the doctor.
Health In Hand’s mobile-friendly website, HealthInHand.org, provides consumers with easily accessible information and guidance on how to safely use, store, and dispose of self-care products.
Manufacturers have developed an anti-smurfing educational program for the retail setting that is voluntary and offered to retailers at no cost. The intent is to educate potential illegal purchasers about related criminal penalties and how the real-time, stop-sale system works.
CHPA is committed to advancing solutions to illegal sales that penalize criminals and ensure law-abiding consumers continue to have access to a wide range of treatment options, including nonprescription medicines containing PSE.
This Proposed Safety Administrative Order addresses the GRASE status of codeine, codeine phosphate, and codeine sulfate as antitussive active ingredients.
