The National Pharmacy Association (NPA) has welcomed the decision from the Medicines and Healthcare Products regulatory Agency (MHRA) to keep the decongestant pseudoephedrine as a pharmacy only product.
The MHRA first considered re-classifying pseudoephedrine as a prescription only medicine in 2007 due to growing concerns that it was being used in the production of illicit drugs. But continued vigilance from community pharmacy has provided the assurance that this product can remain accessible to the public.
Leyla Hannbeck, Head of Pharmacy at the National Pharmacy Association said:
“We welcome the decision and see it as a demonstration of the confidence that the MHRA has in community pharmacy’s role in the safe supply of pseudophedrine. We have supported our members from the outset with our pseudoephedrine training pack which helps ensure that new staff are aware of the pseudoephedrine sales requirements and that all staff act responsibly. A NPA survey conducted this year, which was cited in the MHRA’s review, shows a very high level of awareness amongst pharmacists about the rules regarding sales of PSE.”
