Pathway For Return Of Pseudoephedrine To Pharmacies Welcomed

The Consumer Healthcare Products Association of New
Zealand (CHPNZ) has welcomed the release today of the
pathway to bring the supply of the cold and flu medication
pseudoephedrine back to pharmacies.

The Associate
Minister of Health, Hon David Seymour, will introduce a bill
to Parliament this evening amending the Misuse of Drugs Act
1975 and make changes to the Medicines Regulations 1984 to
reclassify pseudoephedrine as a restricted
drug.

“Pseudoephedrine is a highly effective
treatment for cough and cold symptoms, including nasal
congestion. We support its return including, if required,
working alongside local regulator Medsafe to expedite the
process,” says CHPNZ Chief Executive Scott
Milne.

“New Zealand is fortunate to have an
excellent, safe, and efficacy-focussed regulator, so
consumers can be confident the best pathway for the
medicine’s reintroduction to the market will be
implemented.

“The benefits of an appropriately
regulated primary healthcare industry are substantial. With
GPs and emergency rooms under pressure, government measures
that allow people to look after themselves with safe and
effective medicines are most welcome.

“In the
meantime, our members will begin the process of complying
with the new regulation and ensuring the supply of product
back into New Zealand.

“Retail pharmacy is the best
place to purchase restricted medicines such as
pseudoephedrine. It needs to be used with the right advice
and support, and consultation with a pharmacist is the best
way to achieve this,” says Scott Milne.

“While
working to have pseudoephedrine available as soon as
possible, consumer safety has to be the paramount
consideration.”

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