Indiana Pharmacists Alliance

Press Release

NEW LAW WARNS PATIENTS NOT TO OVER-PURCHASE EPHEDRINE AND PSEUDOEPHEDRINE

INDIANAPOLIS, IN – June 30, 2010 – The recently concluded session of the Indiana General Assembly made some important changes in the law regarding the sale and dispensing of products containing ephedrine or pseudoephedrine.  The new law, which goes into affect on Thursday, July 1^st, stipulates the quantity of the product that may be sold in a certain time period, and also requires that a sign be posted to alert customers that it is a criminal offense to purchase products containing more that the specified amounts of ephedrine or pseudoephedrine. 

Lawrence J. Sage, Indiana Pharmacists Alliance (IPA) Executive Vice President says, "Patients may see signage in the pharmacy warning them not to purchase too much ephedrine or pseudoephrine, as outlined in the law.  While the pharmacy can limit how much an individual purchases during a single visit to the pharmacy, some individuals may visit more than one retailer or pharmacy to purchase additional quantities.  Beginning July 1^st, the signage will help alert patients to the new law." 

A person may not purchase drugs containing more than three and six-tenths (3.6) grams of ephedrine or pseudoephedrine, or both, on one (1) day, or more than nine (9) grams of ephedrine or pseudoephedrine, or both, in a thirty (30) day period. Depending on the amount of ephedrine or pseudoephedrine contained in the drug, purchasing more than one (1) package of drugs containing ephedrine or pseudoephedrine on one (1) day may be a crime.  The Indiana Pharmacists Alliance (IPA) encourages patients to talk to their pharmacist about their prescriptions and over-the-counter medications.

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Click here to link to the Enrolled Act. The items in BOLD are the new statutory requirements.

The Indiana Pharmacists Alliance is a professional association serving Indiana's pharmacists since 1882 and pharmacy technicians since 1998.  IPA serves its members to improve the health of Indiana residents by enhancing the profession of pharmacy. IPA accomplishes its mission through advocacy, education, and leadership.