CHPA Statement on Statewide Missouri Consumer Poll

64% of Missouri Voters Oppose Prescription-Only Requirement

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Consumer Healthcare Products Association

Mar 19, 2014, 12:00 ET

WASHINGTON, March 19, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- The Consumer Healthcare Products Association (CHPA) today released the results of a recent poll of Missouri voters conducted by GS Strategy Group and supported by CHPA. The poll, which surveyed 400 Missouri voters February 13-16 found that a clear majority of Missourians, by a margin of 64% to 29%, oppose a proposed law that would require all consumers to obtain a doctor's prescription before buying cold and allergy medicines containing pseudoephedrine (PSE). The survey also found that nearly 75% of respondents said it would at least be somewhat of an inconvenience to have to obtain a doctor's prescription before buying those medicines.

"This survey provides strong evidence that the vast majority of Missouri consumers prefer effective solutions to the meth problem that don't force law-abiding citizens to obtain a doctor's prescription for popular nonprescription medicines," said Carlos Gutierrez, senior director and head of government affairs for CHPA. "During the current legislative session, it is likely that some Missouri lawmakers will once again push for a prescription requirement for popular cold and allergy medicines. The public, however, clearly favors more balanced policy solutions."

"Fortunately, Senator David Sater and Representative Stanley Cox have introduced measures that would focus squarely on meth criminals," Gutierrez continued. "One of the ideas advanced by Senator Sater and Representative Cox is the implementation of a meth-offender block list that would bar individuals convicted of drug felonies from purchasing pseudoephedrine-based cold and allergy medicines. Oklahoma adopted a meth-offender block list in 2012 and has experienced a 50 percent drop in meth-lab incidents since then."

"Going forward, CHPA looks forward to working with Missouri lawmakers and other leaders on constructive anti-meth measures that target criminals, not law-abiding citizens."

Key findings from the poll

Voters oppose creating a new law in Missouri requiring a doctor's prescription to purchase nonprescription medicines containing pseudoephedrine.
- Voters oppose the proposed law by a 64% to 29% margin, with 46% of respondents saying they "strongly oppose" the measure.
Missouri voters say it would be inconvenient to have to obtain a doctor's prescription in order to purchase cold or allergy medicines containing pseudoephedrine and are concerned about the costs associated with obtaining a prescription.
- Almost three-quarters of voters say it would be at least somewhat of an inconvenience to obtain a prescription, with 50% of respondents saying it would be extremely or very inconvenient.
- Respondents overwhelmingly agree (79% to 19%) that it is unfair to burden families with the added cost to visit a doctor just obtain a prescription for these medicines, with 54% saying they strongly agree.
While concerns about meth production and meth related crimes are high, Missouri voters believe current laws and safeguards are good enough to fight the problem.
- 67% of voters say the law requiring an individual to be 18 years old, show photo ID and sign for medicines containing pseudoephedrine is strict enough, while only 25% believe a prescription law should be passed to make it more difficult to purchase these medications.
- By 72% to 21% respondents think Missouri should rely on its current NPLEx law that already tracks and limits pseudoephedrine purchases rather than passing a new law requiring a doctor's prescription to purchase medicines containing pseudoephedrine.

The Consumer Healthcare Products Association (CHPA) is the 133-year-old 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 promoting the increasingly vital role of over-the-counter medicines and dietary supplements in America's healthcare system through science, education, and advocacy.

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SOURCE Consumer Healthcare Products Association