COLD-DRUG PRESCRIPTION

Bill On Way To Governor

A bill that would require a prescription for many common decongestants sold
over the counter cleared the Oregon Legislature Monday and was sent to Gov.
Ted Kulongoski for his expected signature.

The House on Monday voted 57-2 for the final version of the bill, which
seeks to shut down methamphetamine labs by putting tighter controls on cold
and allergy medicines containing pseudoephedrine, a key ingredient in meth.

Under House Bill 2485, the State Board of Pharmacy will develop rules for
requiring a prescription for these drugs. Officials said they want to move
quickly but indicate the prescription requirement may not be in place until
after the next cold and flu season.

With this bill, Oregon becomes the first state to place such tight controls
on products containing pseudoephedrine.

Supporters acknowledge it will do little to reduce the flow of meth into
Oregon from Mexican drug cartels, but they say meth labs are a particular
danger to children and a blight on neighborhoods.

Critics say it will drive up the cost of the affected drugs and be a
particular burden for Oregonians who don't have health insurance.