Flashpoint: Rx-Only Meds Not The Way To Go When Fighting Meth
1.29.15 – Pam Galloway, M.D., The Tribune Star
This year, there is a renewed effort in the Indiana Legislature to restrict access to safe and effective cold and allergy medicine containing pseudoephedrine (PSE), because some criminals illegally use those products to make methamphetamine. Currently, there are proposals in both the House and the Senate that would force essentially all Hoosiers to get a prescription for PSE. Compelling Hoosiers to get a prescription for popular medicines such as Advil Cold & Sinus and Zyrtec-D would not only affect the allergy sufferers in our state, it would also negatively impact anyone who is trying to see the doctor.
As a physician and a surgeon, I know firsthand that there are precious few hours in each day to provide our patients the direct, attentive care they deserve. I firmly believe we should focus our time on those who actually need our help — not individuals who are suffering from the common cold or allergies. An aging population means more people will find themselves at the doctor’s office to treat their ailments. According to a May 2014 report by United States Census Bureau, “in 2050, the population aged 65 and over is projected to be 83.7 million, almost double its estimated population of 43.1 million in 2012.”
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