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 National AAFA Survey Finds Patients Oppose Prescription Mandate for OTC Medicines Containing Pseudoephedrine
More than 300 million Americans get the common cold, and up to 70 million get the flu annually. But for the 60 million people who also have asthma and allergies, a cold or flu can pose even greater risks. Many patients depend on over-the-counter (OTC) medicines containing pseudoephedrine (PSE) for relief and care, but now access to these medications is being threatened by some states looking at requiring prescriptions for them as a law-enforcement strategy to keep criminals from obtaining PSE-containing medicines to illegally manufacture methamphetamine.
National Survey Shows Strong Patient Opposition
In a recent national patient survey by AAFA, we found that seven in ten respondents (71%) oppose “prescription-only” laws, confirming our belief that taking away patient freedom by requiring prescriptions for common OTC medications is not a solution to the meth problem. The study, conducted by Harris Interactive and supported by a grant from the Consumer Healthcare Products Association, provides a major indication that patients would like to see alternate measures that don't force a prescription mandate on the millions of law-abiding patients who rely on these OTC medicines.
Patients Prefer E-Tracking
Also according to the findings in AAFA’s survey, patients feel there are more effective solutions, showed that two-thirds of respondents (66%) feel that nationwide electronic tracking (e-tracking) of medication purchases – a system that is already working in more than a dozen states – would be a better solution than requiring a prescription.
About the Survey
AAFA’s National Pseudoephedrine (PSE) Awareness Study was conducted online in July 2010 among more than 2,000 U.S. adults age 18+ who personally suffered from asthma, allergies, cold, cough or flu in the preceding 12 months and purchased non-prescription medications for at least one condition during that time. For a full copy of the survey report, and more information about what to do in your state to fight meth while also preserving access to OTC medications, see the links below.
AAFA State Policy Statements
To discuss the report, learn more about AAFA's position, or to speak with a member of AAFA's Department of External Affairs or Department of Policy and Programs, please contact Liana Burns (1-202-466-7643, x252).
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