CHPA Applauds Alaska Lawmakers for Age-18 Sales Law on Cough Medicine
WASHINGTON–(BUSINESS WIRE)–The Consumer Healthcare Products Association (CHPA), the trade
association representing the leading manufacturers and marketers of
over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, released the following statement today
in support of an Alaska law prohibiting the sale of OTC medicines
containing the cough suppressant dextromethorphan (DXM) to minors.
“CHPA thanks Governor Bill Walker for signing the bill into law and
House Majority Leader Charisse Millett and Senator Mia Costello for
shepherding the bill through the legislative process,” CHPA President
and CEO Scott Melville said.
“Alaska is the eleventh state to pass a law addressing the issue of
cough medicine abuse among teens. Alaska will join states across the
country that have recognized that limiting teen access to DXM is a
proven way to prevent abuse. CHPA has long supported state efforts to
curb teen OTC cough medicine abuse and has worked to increase parental
awareness through its StopMedicineAbuse.org campaign. We know that this
legislation will inform parents of this problem, while ensuring access
for the millions of families who responsibly use products containing DXM
to treat common cough symptoms.”
According to the 2015 National Institute on Drug Abuse’s (NIDA’s) annual
Monitoring the Future survey, one in 30 teens abuses OTC cough medicine
containing DXM to get high. To learn more about the side effects of DXM
abuse and obtain access to toolkits, brochures, and other educational
materials for parents and community leaders, visit StopMedicineAbuse.org.
The Consumer Healthcare Products Association (CHPA) is the
135-year-old trade association representing the leading manufacturers
and marketers of over-the-counter (OTC) medicines and dietary
supplements. Every dollar spent by consumers on OTC medicines saves the
U.S. healthcare system $6-$7, contributing a total of $102 billion in
savings each year. CHPA is committed to promoting the increasingly vital
role of over-the-counter medicines and dietary supplements in America’s
healthcare system through science, education, and advocacy.
Contacts
Consumer Healthcare Products Association (CHPA)
Jenni Roberson,
202-429-9260
