Originally published August 4 2005
Oregon could require prescription for cold medicines
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
In an effort to combat methamphetamine use in Oregon, the state's House of Representatives passed a bill that would require a prescription for many now over-the-counter cold medications that can be used to produce methamphetamine, and if the bill passes in the Senate, Oregon would become the first state to have such requirements.
Oregon would become the first state in the nation to require a doctor's prescription for many types of cold medicines under a bill overwhelmingly passed today by the House as part of the Legislature's attack on the methamphetamine scourge.
Backers of the bill, sent to the Senate on a 55-4 vote, said such drastic steps are needed to help curb availability of ingredients used to make a drug that's ruining lives.
Supporters said they expect the measure to pass in the Senate, and it is supported by Gov.
The bill would require prescriptions by mid-2006 for medicines containing pseudoephedrine and two similar substances.
Oregon requires that sales be only in pharmacies and behind the counter, with identification required, under rules adopted by the state Pharmacy Board at Kulongoski's request.
The National Clandestine Laboratory Seizure System, which collects data from state police agencies, shows the reported meth lab seizures increased from 6,777 in 1999 to 10,182 in 2003.
About 12.3 million Americans ages 12 and older reported trying methamphetamine at least once, according to the 2003 National Survey on Drug Use and Health.
Macpherson said requiring doctor's approval to obtain some medicines won't eliminate meth in Oregon because much of it is imported.
He said the aim is to greatly reduce home cooking labs where toxic chemicals are mixed to make the drug, damaging innocent childrens' health.
"I don't know that I'm willing to punish the many for the sins of the few," said Rep. Tom Butler, R-Ontario.
Schering-Plough, which makes Claritin, is running radio ads in the Portland market opposing the measure.
The measures would boost penalties against drug-makers, particularly if children or disabled or elderly people are present at homes where meth is produced.
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