LTE: Pharmacists help in fight against meth production
10.17.16 – Linda M. Ragsdale. St. Louis Post Dispatch
Outside of my own family, the person that I consult with the most about basic health care questions is likely my pharmacist. These professionals are highly educated and are able to provide on-the-spot consultations for basic questions. I wanted to bring attention to another pivotal role pharmacists across the country play, because Oct. 16-22 is National Pharmacy Week.
If you have ever bought cold and allergy medicine containing pseudoephedrine, such as Allegra-D and Zyrtec-D, you would have had to present your ID at the pharmacy counter. That is because 32 other states and Missouri, and our pharmacies, rely on the National Precursor Log Exchange to track and block the sale medicine containing pseudoephedrine when a consumer has reached their purchasing limit allowed by law. This puts our pharmacists at the front lines of the fight against meth production, ensuring that potential criminals are not getting their hands on an important meth precursor.
Because of the hard work of pharmacists, as well as police officers, prosecutors and judges, Missouri has seen a significant dent put in the meth production in our state. Through the first two quarters of 2016, the exchange blocked over 25,000 boxes of pseudoephedrine, and police and prosecutors used the tool to identify and arrest meth makers.
While the law enforcement community receives high praise, this National Pharmacy Week, we must also express gratitude to our pharmacists ensuring our communities stay safe.
Read more here.