Require Prescription for Ephedrine and Pseudoephedrine

Resolved Section(s):
RESOLVED: That MSMS adopt a policy to limit the availability of ephedrine and pseudoephedrine for illicit purposes while maintaining legitimate patient and physician access to this medication using all appropriate legislative and regulatory means. RATIONALE: The Committee heard considerable testimony regarding the unfortunate injuries arising from explosions that are common when attempting to produce methamphetamines. Ephedrine and pseudoephedrine are found in common over-the-counter medications as well as a key ingredient in the production of methamphetamines. The resolution seeks to make these drugs less accessible by requiring a prescription prior to having the prescription filled. While this proposal could limit access to these drugs for illicit purposes, it also limits access to those patients seeking the drug for legitimate purposes. Furthermore, the proposed resolution does not address that many prescription drugs fall into the wrong hands and are then used for illicit purposes even though a physician must provide a prescription. Consequently, the Committee attempted to strike a balance between limiting inappropriate uses of ephedrine and pseudoephedrine while maintaining patient access to appropriate use of these medications. The policy is broad enough to provide guidance to MSMS to support future legislative efforts as well as supporting opportunities such as the National Precursor Log Exchange (NPLEx). NPLEx is a joint effort between pharmacists, sheriffs, and the Consumer Healthcare Products Association to electronically monitor ephedrine and pseudoephedrine in real time. The Committee believes that this conclusion is preferable to the original language of theresolution as it balances the concerns of physicians and patients while limiting access to these medications for methamphetamine production.