Got a cold? Add a new headache to your cough and stuffy nose: Since Sept. 30, new federal restrictions make it harder for Americans to get their hands on decongestants. The rules aim to foil producers of methamphetamine by putting the necessary ingredients – found in such medications as NyQuil Cold & Flu, Actifed Cold & Allergy, and Claritin-D -behind the pharmacy counter or in a locked case.
Until now, anyone running an illegal meth lab could buy armfuls of cold and allergy medications containing ephedrine and pseudoephedrine, then boil, dry and filter the substances into the highly addictive drug. Lawmakers blame easy access for the fact that meth now leads cocaine, marijuana and heroin as the top illegal drug problem in 48 percent of the nation’s counties, according to a June survey by the National Association of Counties.
To get the medicines, customers will now have to show picture ID and sign a logbook recording what they buy and where they live. The logbooks will remain on file for two years and be accessible to law enforcement authorities. Already, whether you’ve noticed or not, you’re limited to purchasing 3.6 grams of the products per day and 9 grams every 30 days; those limits took effect in April.
If you’re desperate for relief outside of pharmacy hours, a new version of Sudafed-
Sudafed PE-contains an active ingredient not subject to the new laws. But there’s debate in the medical community about whether the substance, phenylephrine, works as well as ephedrine and pseudoephedrine – or even at all.
Rep. Henry Waxman, D-California, has requested an investigation by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration of phenylephrine’s effectiveness. Meanwhile, Schering-Plough is analyzing the results of a trial comparing phenylephrine with pseudoephedrine and a placebo.
The company makes Coricidin D, another option containing phenylephrine that can remain on store shelves.
The extra hurdles may seem annoyingly high, but contact with a pharmacist might actually provide a health benefit, says Colleen Brennan, pharmacist and spokeswoman for the National Community Pharmacists Association. Some people shouldn’t be taking pseudoephedrine freely: It can be dangerous in those with high blood pressure, glaucoma, or diabetes, for example.
