There's a great deal of training in order for a pharmacist to sell prescription medicine.
Even more training is needed concerning federal and state guidelines in selling any medication containing pseudoephedrine or ephedrine, substances known to be used illegally to make the highly addictive drug methamphetamine. The substances are typically found in cold and allergy products.
In addition to years of college study, graduates have to stay knowledgeable on recent trends and laws. They have to keep up-to-date with their state and federal licenses as well.
There are logbooks to keep, detailing purchases by customers of those substances. Since July 1, 2013, consumers have been limited to buying 3.6 grams of pseudoephedrine or ephedrine products in one day, among other regulations.
For example, 3.6 grams of pseudophedrine, if given in 30-milligram pills, amounts to 146 tablets or 36 tablets if in 120 mg doses.
That's why trained pharmacists have to keep detailed records and logbooks of sales. They have to verify information that a customer provides. The drugs have to be locked in cabinets behind the counter. If the rules aren't followed, the pharmacy can lose its licenses to operate.
They log the information in a nationwide system, the National Precursor Log Exchange. In turn, the information is used by Indiana State Police in investigating illegal meth manufacturing. The Indiana State Police Methamphetamine Suppression Section was created in 2005 as laws were passed in Indiana to shift cold medicines behind the counter.
The record-keeping is working. In 2013, the system stopped about 60,000 sales nationally.
In 2013, state police raided 1,808 meth labs, including 61 in Madison County, which was then ranked the seventh worst county in the state for meth lab seizures.
Apparently though, the system isn't working as well in other parts of the state where meth labs have sprung up. The Legislature this session may well hear discussion on a bill that would temporarily halt over-the-counter sales of cold medicines containing pseudoephedrine. Once in place, however, Hoosiers will have to wonder when the moratorium would be lifted.
Supporters also want the numbers to go down concerning lab seizures. That's easy: don't raid them. But that's not what Hoosiers want; they want a consistent attack on illegal manufacturers of meth.
Meth indeed is a scourge that does damage to individuals and families.
But the cost of medicine can only rise when a doctor's order is required to purchase cold medicine. And the price can only go up when more paperwork is required of pharmacists.
More restrictions hurt the honest, law-abiding consumer who is attempting to buy cold remedies.