Bill Attempts to Combat Meth Labs by Requiring Cold Drug Prescriptions
The California Senate recently voted 22-10 to approve a bill (SB 484) that would require consumers to obtain prescriptions for certain over-the-counter allergy and cold medications in an effort to combat methamphetamine production, the Sacramento Bee reports.
The measure relates to drugs that contain pseudoephedrine, an essential ingredient for producing meth. Such drugs include Claritin-D, Sudafed and Zyrtec-D.
The bill is now before the Assembly.
Impetus for the Bill
Sen. Roderick Wright (D-South Central Los Angeles) said federal restrictions on drugs containing pseudoephedrine had been insufficient to curb meth production.
Concerns
Some consumers and advocates are concerned that the bill would pose challenges for people attempting to treat allergy and cold symptoms without visiting their physician.
However, others point out that there are numerous cold medications available that do not contain pseudoephedrine (Lang, Sacramento Bee, 6/16). This is part of the California Healthline Daily Edition, a summary of health policy coverage from major news organizations. Sign up for an email subscription.