Cheap RX, generic propecia online

Source: The Age

Date: 26-Feb-2007

Pharmacists have called for a ban on the sale of pseudoephedrine products following a dramatic increase in break-ins and ram-raids believed to be associated with the "ice" epidemic.

Pseudoephedrine - found in cold and flu treatments - can be used to manufacture methamphetamines like ice.

Pharmacists have reported an increased number of break-ins and drug-related crimes that they blame on drug manufacturers looking for ingredients.

The pharmacists' division of the Association of Professional Engineers, Scientists and Managers Australia (APESMA) has called for the immediate withdrawal of products containing pseudoephedrine from pharmacy shelves.

"Obviously, we are concerned for the safety of our members, staff and the public," APESMA spokesman Paul Gysslink said in a statement.

"Pharmacists are being targeted as a source of ingredients for illicit drug manufacturing - this is causing stress and anxiety to our members.

"We want to see the needs of legitimate consumers being met, but we also have to reduce the risk to pharmacists. No one should have to face the trauma of ram-raids and robberies.

"The potential risks to the public and pharmacy staff are too great not to act."

Some states have introduced codes of practice to restrict pseudoephedrine sales to legitimate customers, but those measures have not reduced the incidence of related crime, APESMA says.

Other products such as phenylephrine can be used in place of pseudoephedrine.