Details
Multiples unite in the fight against methylamphetamine
20 June 2006
The Association of Independent Multiples (AIMp)1 and The Company Chemists’ Association (CCA)2 - who between them represent nearly 60% of all UK pharmacies - have joined forces to play their part in combatting any potential spread of crystal meth misuse in the UK, and to campaign to keep pseudoephedrine as a P medicine.
While current evidence shows that this is not currently a significant problem in the UK, the two bodies have signed up to a shared package of non-statutory preventative measures, which will further enhance the stringent 'pharmacy controls' already in place. These include:
1 Sales restrictions for pseudoephedrine and ephedrine products limited to one whole pack per transaction. AIMp and CCA members plan to implement this element voluntarily, but clearly would not oppose any professional requirement to do so, stipulated by the Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain.
2 Keeping products containing pseudoephedrine or ephedrine behind the counter and not available for self-selection, thus reducing any opportunity for theft of quantities that might make home production viable.
3 Implementing a robust awareness programme for all those involved in the sales of OTC medicines. AIMp and the CCA are advocating that all staff involved in the sale of OTC medicines should undertake this programme, which will be along the lines of those implemented in other countries. AIMp and CCA members have undertaken to measure participation and completion of such a package; and believe that all pharmacies should do this so that the sector can demonstrate its preparedness to take preventative action in advance of an issue, and thus help stop the meth problem effectively before there is any evidence of it taking hold in the UK, thus giving them confidence that pharmacy staff involved in the sale of the relevant products are:
o Up to date with current thinking;
o Aware of the concerns and the potential consequences for UK public health; and
o Confident and motivated to play their part in preventing methylamphetamine misuse.
The CCA has co-ordinated the agreement of a framework for use across the pharmacy bodies to ensure a common approach to the content and expected learning outcomes of all educational awareness programme developed4.
CCA and AIMp training packages will be available from August 2007; and in the meantime, CCA and AIMp members are gearing up to roll these measures as soon as possible.
AIMp and the CCA believe that these preventative measures, if pursued proactively, will protect the public’s health. They plan to continue to champion this issue, and to facilitate continued discussions and joint working between the pharmacy bodies to ensure a joined up response from the profession.
CCA Chief Executive, Rob Darracott, comments:
"To date there is no major evidence of the meth problem taking hold in the UK, not least because of our existing stringent pharmacy controls. However, we must acknowledge that this is a potential issue, and it is therefore even more important that we act in advance to protect public health while ensuring that consumers continue to have access to very safe and effective remedies. We have therefore decided not to wait for the MHRA’s decision to take action. Multiples are determined to protect the public’s interest on all levels and to demonstrate to Government and regulators that pseudoephedrine is in the safest place in pharmacy’s hands.”
Roy Carrington, Chief Executive of AIMp, comments:
“Losing P status for pseudoephedrine would be a vote of no confidence in the pharmacy profession; and would inconvenience millions of law abiding consumers. The stakes are extremely high and our members will do whatever it takes to show their commitment to the safe supply of pseudoephedrine.”
The two representative bodies will be working together closely to co-ordinate their responses to the MHRA; and are planning activities linked to the implementation of these measures post-consultation to keep awareness of the issue high within the profession and amongst stakeholders in the consultation process so that they are fully up to speed with the progress being made with implementation and can take into account the impact the proposed measures are having at local level.
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