PHARMACISTS REDUCE ACCESS TO METHAMPHETAMINE INGREDIENTS

The Alberta College of Pharmacists has announced that pharmacies across the
province are voluntarily restricting access to ephedrine and
pseudoephedrine, two of the main ingredients used to produce
methamphetamine.

Methamphetamine is a highly addictive drug that is affecting individuals and
families in communities throughout Alberta. This step by the pharmacy
profession is in support of law enforcement efforts to stem the production
of meth.

Tracy Marsden, ACP president, said last week, "The college and its members
are making the components of substances of abuse and misuse less readily
available for individuals seeking them for illegal purposes. We want
Albertans to know that pharmacists are concerned about their communities. We
have pledged to contribute to solutions to the methamphetamine problem."

At the request of the Alberta College of Pharmacists, Alberta pharmacists
are placing products that contain ephedrine or pseudoephedrine as a single
therapeutic ingredient behind the prescription counter. This step means
that, in many Alberta pharmacies, products such as Sudafed will only be
available from the pharmacist.

In addition, pharmacies are restricting the sale of all products containing
ephedrine and pseudoephedrine to a maximum of 3600 mg of pseudoephedrine and
400 mg of ephedrine in a single transaction. In other words, an individual
can purchase 60 tablets of 60 mg of pseudoephedrine at one time. This
restriction applies to single-ingredient products and products also
containing other drugs.

The average consumer will not be inconvenienced by this action, other than
having to request single-ingredient products from the pharmacist.

"Individuals with a legitimate need for the products can still readily
obtain them from their pharmacist," Marsden said. "This step will benefit
consumers in the long run. As the drug experts, pharmacists are uniquely
suited to helping Albertans choose appropriate drug therapy for their
individual health needs. Consultation with a pharmacist ultimately leads to
improved care."

Only individuals who want to purchase large quantities will be affected by
the restriction on quantities sold.

The college has received strong support from its members for tackling the
social problem.

"As of today, many Alberta community pharmacies have moved the
single-ingredient products behind the pharmacists counter. This includes all
Save-On-Foods pharmacies, all Westfair/Superstore pharmacies, and Wal-Mart
pharmacies. Shoppers Drug Mart has committed to moving the products within a
month. Others are considering how to incorporate the change into their
pharmacies," she remarked.

Pharmacists who have not responded to the request are encouraged to do so by
the Pharmacists Association of Alberta (RxA). "Through this call for
voluntary restriction, patients will still have access, legitimately, to
ephedrine and pseudoephedrine products, and the benefit of counsel from a
pharmacist," said Barry Cavanaugh, RxA's CEO.

Alberta is a leader among the nation's pharmacists in this regard. No other
provincial group has taken this step.

The use of methamphetamine or crystal meth is quickly moving beyond a law
enforcement issue and is emerging as a community social and health problem.

Methamphetamine is manufactured from relatively common household products
that are available in pharmacies and other retail outlets. It is a powerful
and addictive stimulant that dramatically affects many areas of the central
nervous system. Individuals can become addicted after only one use.

"The college's council is concerned about the effects of methamphetamine use
and the apparent growth in its use in Alberta communities," said Marsden. As
a result, councillors recommended to their colleagues that they restrict
access to the meth ingredients ephedrine and pseudoephedrine.

The college's move has been supported by law enforcement agencies and
government departments with an interest in the issue.

"We must continue to tackle this problem from every angle in a coordinated
and comprehensive manner," said Alberta Solicitor General Heather Forsyth.
"Making it more difficult to obtain the materials to make meth will make it
more difficult for our citizens to become addicted to it."

The Alberta College of Pharmacists is the licensing and regulatory body for
Alberta pharmacies and pharmacists.

A fact sheet on the college's Action on Meth initiative is available on our
website at www.altapharm.org. Choose the college side of the web and look
for the fact sheet under Ministers support ... in the Spotlight.