The Medicines and Healthcare Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has issued an updated Public Assessment Report presenting a review of the impact of the legal measures from 2010 – 2011on the restrictions for the sale of cold and flu medicines containing pseudoephedrine and ephedrine to prevent misuse of these drugs.

The Commission on Human Medicines (CHM) has recommended that:

• the present levels of monitoring, education and awareness measures by pharmacists should be maintained

• liaison with stakeholders including the Home Office, the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) and the Serious Organised Crime Agency (SOCA) should continue

• a Working Group should be established as necessary to review the situation if any new concerns arisea.

• An update report should be considered by the CHM in 2012

• The CHM commended the pharmacy profession for their continued significant contribution to managing the risk of misuse of OTC medicines containing pseudoephedrine or ephedrine