Sudafed Limitations

States considering limits on consumer access to pseudoephedrine.

USA Today (2/2, Young) reports, "State and local efforts to thwart methamphetamine production by further limiting consumer access to a popular decongestant are pitting law enforcement against pharmacists and patients." Under "new ordinances in some Missouri communities and legislation pending in several states," consumers would be required "to get a prescription to buy cold and allergy pills containing pseudoephedrine." But, some pharmacists argue that "requiring prescriptions will delay access to the quick-acting medication and drive up costs to consumers through more doctor visits and co-pays." Oregon is currently the only state that requires consumers to get prescriptions, but Missouri, California, Kentucky, and Oklahoma are "considering new measures."