SYRINGES GO ON SALE MONDAY

BOSTON - Hypodermic syringes are scheduled to be for sale without a
prescription on Monday in Massachusetts under a controversial new law
that passed over the objections of Gov. W. Mitt Romney.

Donna E. Rheaume, spokeswoman for the state Department of Public
Health, said the law allows pharmacies to sell the syringes without a
prescription, but pharmacies are not required to participate in the
law. She said the law goes into effect on Monday.

Rheaume said the state Department of Public Health is developing an
educational pamphlet for distribution to people who buy needles
without a prescription. Rheaume said the pamphlets would be available
at drug stores on Monday.

Pharmacies cannot allow over-the-counter sales of syringes unless
they have the educational materials, said Michael DeAngelis, a
spokesman for CVS Pharmacy. The law requires stores to distribute the
state-approved pamphlets with any sales of syringes, he said.

"We do plan on participating in allowing over-the-counter sales of
syringes without a prescription," said DeAngelis, whose company has
300 CVS stores in Massachusetts. "We do sell syringes without a
prescription in other states where it is allowed."

Rheaume said the pamphlet will be in pharmacies by Monday and on the
department's Internet site. It will include instructions on proper
use of syringes, safe disposal and a toll-free hotline for referrals
for treatment of substance abuse, AIDS and hepatitis C.

The department is also preparing a list of collection centers for
disposal of dirty needles. The law allows collection centers,
including containers, to be in medical facilities, pharmacies and
municipal buildings such as police and fire stations.

The law passed July 13 when the state Senate and the House voted to
override Romney's veto of the bill on June 30.

The law allows sale of syringes without a prescription to people 18 and older.

Romney and Lt. Gov. Kerry Healey have said the law could encourage
illegal drug use and hurt public safety.

Advocates have said the law could provide more clean needles and
limit the spread of diseases such as AIDS and hepatitis C.