Survey finds consumers want full access to pseudoephedrine products

The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) released results on Friday from a survey that indicated people with colds, coughs or allergies prefer full access to medications containing pseudoephedrine (PSE).

The Harris Poll survey was conducted between Jan. 14 and Jan. 26. It included 2,027 users of nonprescription medicine to treat nasal allergies, asthma and/or cold, cough or flu in Illinois, Indiana, Oklahoma, Tennessee and Missouri.

Many jurisdictions restrict access to the drug, including limits on how much can be bought at one time, because PSE is used by drug dealers to manufacture meth.

The survey found that among those using nonprescription medications to treat one or more conditions:

98 percent who experienced cold, cough and flu symptoms, and 88 percent of those living with nasal allergies, purchase nonprescription medication to treat their ailments

65 percent of those experiencing cold, cough, flu symptoms or nasal allergies would select a decongestant based on a trusted, successful brand, rather than the one with the lower price.

92 percent of those experiencing cold, cough, flu symptoms or nasal allergies said it's important that their pharmacy have all of the safe and effective medications available, with 84 percent saying having a full spectrum of medications is important, even if they are not currently using them.

71 percent said they have a somewhat or very unfavorable view of pharmacies that remove medications containing PSE.

70 percent said they have a somewhat or very unfavorable view of grocery stores that remove medications containing PSE.

80 percent said they would have a somewhat or very unfavorable view if they had to travel to more than one retail location to purchase all of the medications they needed for themselves or their family.

"The survey results are evidence that patients who need access to these medicines feel very strongly about access," Meryl Bloomrosen, AAFA's senior vice president of advocacy, policy and research, said. "A few states and localities have taken steps to impede people suffering from cough, cold and allergies from easily accessing the safe and effective FDA-approved therapies they rely on, and these places are greatly inconveniencing consumers. Patients and caregivers prefer to get medication for themselves and their families all at one store, and they deserve that right to access."