New Hampshire Adopts Real-Time, Stop-Sale, Retail Tech to Prevent Illegal Sales of Pseudoephedrine

WASHINGTON, D.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- The Consumer Healthcare Products Association (CHPA) applauds New Hampshire for becoming the 35th state to adopt the real-time, stop-sale technology called the National Precursor Log Exchange (NPLEx), a system used by retailers across the country to help prevent the illegal sale of pseudoephedrine (PSE), an ingredient some criminals try to use in the production of methamphetamine. Aside from blocking illegal sales right at the pharmacy counter, the NPLEx system provides law enforcement with valuable, real-time data on potential criminal activity. The legislation was signed by Governor Chris Sununu today in Lanconia, New Hampshire, at Lakes Regional Hospital.

NPLEx is a proven tool in the fight against PSE diversion across the country. The system helps to prevent purchases by potential meth criminals while also protecting access to these safe and effective medicines for law-abiding consumers, including Advil Cold & Sinus, Allegra-D, Claritin-D, Mucinex D, and Sudafed. New Hampshire joins neighboring states Vermont and Maine, which adopted the system in previous years.

“We are committed to continue reducing the local methamphetamine production problem using solutions that are proven to work,” said New Hampshire State Senator, Sharon Carson. “The adoption of NPLEx here in New Hampshire shows our commitment, and it gives law enforcement and pharmacists – those serving on the front line – new tools and resources to help curb meth production in our state, while also protecting law-abiding citizens’ access to the medicines they need.”

The announcement comes after a recent report from the National Association of Drug Diversion Investigators (NADDI) showing that so far nationwide in 2018, between January 1 and Mach 31, NPLEx has blocked the illegal sale of 226,670 boxes of medicine containing PSE, keeping 786,753 grams of PSE out of the hands of potential criminals.”

The Consumer Healthcare Products Association (CHPA) is the 137-year-old national 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 empowering self-care by preserving and expanding choice and availability of consumer healthcare products. chpa.org

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180607005862/en/