Lawmaker pushing for a prescription for pseudoephedrine

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - Indiana ranks third in the country when it comes to meth lab busts and now one lawmaker is proposing a way to stop meth use.

Representative Rebecca Kubaki (R-Syracuse) is urging the passage of a new state law that would require a doctor’s prescription for over the counter drugs containing pseudoephedrine.

This isn’t the first time lawmakers have stepped in to make laws regarding pseudoephedrine. It’s the main component when making methamphetamine.

In 2005 lawmakers put in place restrictions on how to get pseudoephedrine. Then in 2011 a tracking system was put in place, but now Representative Kubaki wants to go even further.

Pharmacist Kurt Moyer from Dr. Aziz Pharmacy believes the restrictions put in place are the best solution.

“I think it works pretty well, again, as long as it's being used properly. Are there ways to get around it? I'm sure that those who are using it inappropriately still find ways to get around it,” explains Moyer.

It's the people getting around the current state laws that have lawmakers wanting to make a change. While the new bill proposes needed a prescription Moyer points out that would just mean higher healthcare costs.

“Now when you're then going to require them to write a prescription for a medication that's been available over the counter, yeah there's going to be increased doctor visits or even increased calls into doctors offices, the extra time and personnel need for those prescriptions, calling in those prescriptions, and filling those prescriptions,” explains Moyer.

Moyer understands why lawmakers want to make a change, but he doesn't believe it’s the solution.

“The prescription option does have some possible upsides to it as far as limiting some of that access, making it more difficult, but will it stop everything? I don't see that as possible,” says Moyer.

Representative Kubaki says meth use in Indiana is so bad its costing taxpayers billions of dollars. She points out Oregon made it a law to have a prescription for pseudoephedrine four years ago.

She says in that time healthcare costs have not increased, but the number of meth lab busts went from 1,800 a year to in the single digits.

The proposal has yet to be assigned to a committee this session.