COLD MEDICINE PRESCRIPTION IDEA CRITICIZED

Government Trying To Fight Crystal Meth

The provincial government should look at putting cold medications behind
the pharmacists' counter, instead of requiring Ontarians to access this
medication by prescription.

"Before the government makes a decision, they should go to the Ontario
Pharmacy Association and suggest putting them behind the counter," Mike
Jawad, owner of the independently-run City Pharmacy said of media reports
the health minister was considering prescriptions for cold medications as a
way to combat the spread of crystal meth, a deadly street drug.

He also believes it will help protect consumers, some of whom shouldn't
have pseudoephedrine, which is found in Sudafed, Actifed and Contac,
because of other health issues such as high blood pressure and thyroid
problems.

Putting these cold medications behind the counter, Jawad said, will ensure
customers discuss their health problems with the pharmacist before
selecting one that's right for them.

He said pharmacists can also discourage consumers from purchasing
medications if they don't feel it's warranted. Sometimes, Jawad said the
old remedies such as hot lemon and honey are all that's needed.

"It will cause a bigger burden on the health-care system . . . everybody
with a cough and cold will be coming to the doctor," said Dr. Cassie
Harnarine, chief of staff at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance.

He said that will increase the number of visits to doctors and emergency rooms.

"Somebody has to pay for it," Harnarine said, noting each doctor's visit
costs more than $20 and hospital emergency fees are higher. There's also
the increased cost to consumers, who would pay pharmacy fees in addition to
the cost of the medication.

Harnarine said putting cold medications behind the pharmacists' counter
would "definitely be simpler."

David Spencer, press secretary to Health Minister George Smitherman, told
The Chatham Daily News no decisions have been made.

He said crystal meth is a "very serious situation," which is why a task
force has been set up by the Ministry of Community Safety and Correction
Services to look into it.

"We're working co-operatively with them," Spencer said. He added, "all
things will be considered before decisions are made."

Crystal meth is gaining in popularity because the high is long-lasting and
intense, and it is cheap. A user can stay high for 12 hours for as little
as $5. But side effects, including heart problems, hallucinations and
violence, can be devastating.

"It's regrettable for people who know chemistry to get something out of
this and get big bucks," Jawad said. He added he's concerned about the
long-term health problems and subsequent costs these "cheap drugs" will
cause. He cited the case of a young woman who's taking crystal meth and
gets pregnant.

"Anything to thwart those that need that stuff to manufacture the meth is
certainly going to be a positive for us," said Insp. George Flikweert of
the Chatham-Kent Police Service's major crimes unit.

He said crystal methamphetamine is a growing problem locally, but it hasn't
yet reached the levels of crack and cocaine use.

But Flikweert acknowledges the difficulties this could pose for people who
have a legitimate need for the medications, noting the difficulties of
having to see a doctor or go to the hospital for the necessary prescription.

"It's unfortunate that law-abiding citizens who need it for legitimate
reasons, possibility will have to go through a couple of hoops to get the
product," the inspector said.