CHPA Applauds Georgia's Adoption of Real-Time, Stop-Sale Technology to Prevent Illegal Sales of Pseudoephedrine

WASHINGTON, April 28, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, the Consumer Healthcare Products Association (CHPA) applauds the state of Georgia for becoming the thirty-third state to adopt the real-time, stop-sale technology called the National Precursor Log Exchange (NPLEx), a blocking system used across the country which prevents the illegal sale of pseudoephedrine (PSE), an ingredient sometimes used in the production of methamphetamine. Aside from blocking illegal sales at the pharmacy counter, the NPLEx system provides law enforcement with valuable, real-time data on potential criminal activity. The legislation – sponsored by state Representative Clark and Senator Unterman – was approved by the Georgia Legislature and signed by Governor Nathan Deal on April 26, 2016.

NPLEx is a proven tool in the fight against PSE diversion across the country. The system helps to prevent purchases by potential meth criminals while protecting law-abiding consumers' access to safe and effective medicines containing PSE, such as Advil Cold & Sinus, Allegra-D, Claritin-D, Mucinex D, and Sudafed. Georgia is the last state in the southeast to adopt NPLEx, as all of its neighboring states – South Carolina, Florida, Alabama, Tennessee and North Carolina – adopted the system in previous years.

"CHPA commends the leadership of the Georgia Legislature and Governor Nathan Deal in the adoption of NPLEx and their participation in this successful national effort in the fight against meth," said Scott Melville, president and chief executive officer of CHPA. "We also applaud legislators, law enforcement and pharmacists across all thirty-three states working together to stop the illegal diversion of PSE, while ensuring that law-abiding citizens continue to have access to these safe and effective nonprescription cold and allergy medicines."

The announcement comes on the heels of a recent report from the National Association of Drug Diversion Investigators (NADDI) showing that so far this year between January 1, 2016 to March 31, 2016, that NPLEx has blocked the illegal sale of 395,394 boxes of medicine containing PSE, keeping 1,018,259 grams of PSE out of the hands of criminals.

About the Consumer Healthcare Products Association

The Consumer Healthcare Products Association (CHPA) is the 135-year-old national trade association representing the leading manufacturers and marketers of over-the-counter (OTC) medicines and dietary supplements. Every dollar spent by consumers on OTC medicines saves the U.S. healthcare system $6-7, contributing a total of $102 billion in savings each year. CHPA is committed to empowering consumer self-care by preserving and expanding choice and availability of consumer healthcare products.

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SOURCE Consumer Healthcare Products Association

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