New OTC Policy for Allergy Medicines

Filed in archive Allergy Medications on October 4, 2006

As mentioned in a previous entry this year about the restrictions on OTC sales of allergy medicines, buying certain allergy drugs have become a bit more tedious since Sept. 30. From then on, allergy medicines such as Claritin-d and Sudafed, may only be purchased upon presenting a photo ID and signing a logbook.

The federal law bans over-the-counter sales of drug products containing ephedrine, pseudoephedrine and phenylpropanolamine to curb illegal production of crystal methamphetamine, an addictive drug made with the ingredients.

Personally, I don't have a problem with the new situation. I can imagine that it can be a bit inconvenient in the beginning, and it certainly makes sense to make sure you're well stocked on your allergy medications before you actually need them. It doesn't mean, however, that you'll need boxes and boxes of them, but just enough to tide you over til the worst of the symptoms are relieved.

Even allergists seem to be in favor of the new law, recognizing that allergy drugs can be subject to abuse and may actually cause harm, particularly for patients who self-medicate and has never sought medical advice from an allergist.

"I see patients who take decongestants on a regular basis who come in with elevated blood pressure and insomnia," Mitchell said. "A lot are suffering from sinus conditions but have not been tested for allergies. There are now special allergy drops that can reverse this problem and they may not need the medicine."

I'm not sure how effective this will be in curbing drug addiction, but I think this is a sensible step also for the sake of the health and safety of allergy sufferers.