Requiring prescriptions for pills containing pseudoephedrine won’t resolve illegal drug use. So we hope governments don’t start requiring prescriptions.
Several states, including Oklahoma, have developed tracking mechanisms to help prevent illegal drug traffickers and users from turning cold medicines into the illegal drug meth.
But since meth producers have learned to adapt their chemistry to working with smaller amounts of precursors, some states want to eliminate over-the-counter sales of pseudoephedrine products, which treat colds and allergies. Obtaining the products would then require a prescription and a doctor’s visit.
That might slow down illegal meth production, but more than that, it would put a hardship on honest citizens who would have to visit a doctor just to treat a cold. Naturally, pharmacy associations oppose the proposed restriction, but not just because it would hurt their sales.
It also would drive up health costs for consumers. We agree with the Consumer Healthcare Products Association, which would rather install electronic tracking systems to stop excessive purchases.
The systems are not perfect but neither are prescriptions. Oklahomans take more painkillers — which require a prescription — than the people in Texas and California combined. That’s hard to believe, but true, and you can bet many of those pills are not being used appropriately.
We need changes in American’s attitudes toward drugs, not more restrictive laws which only burden honest and truly ill people.
