CHPA Takes Position on Methamphetamine Problem

The President of the ConsumerHealthcare Products Association(CHPA) is advocating for a comprehensivemethamphetamine solution.CHPA President Linda A. Suydam, DPA,recently testified before the US House ofRepresentatives Government ReformSubcommittee on Criminal Justice,Drug Policy, and Human Resources.

Although pseudoephedrine is anonprescription nasal decongestantused safely and effectively to treatcold, allergy, and flu symptoms, Suydamnoted the industry's strong concernthat the ingredient can be illegallyobtained and used with otherproducts to manufacture the illegaldrug methamphetamine. At the hearingentitled "Law Enforcement andthe Fight Against Methamphetamine,"Suydam recommended the following:

• Limit the number of packages ofmedicines with pseudoephedrine aconsumer can purchase at a time
• Require registration of all retailersselling pseudoephedrine products
• Enact severe penalties for those manufacturingand selling methamphetamine,especially those endangeringchildren with illegal activities