Pubdate: Fri, 19 Aug 2005
Source: Chatham Daily News, The (CN ON)
Copyright: 2005 OSPREY Media Group Inc.
Contact:  http://www.chathamdailynews.ca
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1627
Author: Yvonne Bendo
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine)

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.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom