Pubdate: Tue, 08 Jun 2004 Source: Oklahoman, The (OK) Copyright: 2004 The Oklahoma Publishing Co. Contact: http://www.oklahoman.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/318 Author: Michael Baker Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine) PSEUDOEPHEDRINE RULE TAKES EFFECT Oklahoma pharmacies ran out of time Monday to place pseudoephedrine tablets behind the counter. If the methamphetamine additive is out in the open, pharmacies are now risking the chance of substantial fines or even jail time, said Mark Woodward, spokesman for the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Danger Drugs. Gov. Brad Henry signed legislation April 6 that banned the sale of pseudoephedrine tablets in stores without a licensed pharmacist. The law does not affect the sale of decongestant ingredient in capsule and liquid forms. The law also required that licensed pharmacies place the tablets behind the counter or in a secure location. Customers must show photo identification and provide a signature to buy pseudoephedrine tablets. Officials granted pharmacies a 60-day grace period before having to secure their tablets and begin logging signatures. "We've already visited hundreds of pharmacies around the state and found most have been in compliance since early April," Woodward said. "However, there have been a few that have been dragging their feet." - --- MAP posted-by: Terry Liittschwager