A ‘Hot Topic’ article in the September 2009 edition of Drug Safety Update from the MHRA provides an update of the measures taken to reduce the risk of illicit use of ephedrine and pseudoephedrine, which can be used in the manufacture of methylamphetamine (crystal meth).  

The article discusses the sales restrictions that came into place in April 2008, and the findings of a recent report by the CHM Working Group into the impact of these measures (July 2009).  In light of this report, the CHM concluded that medicines containing pseudoephedrine or ephedrine may continue to be sold as pharmacy medicines, provided the measures put in place to contain misuse continue to be effective (see green box above).  Professional guidance issued by the RPSGB is discussed.