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January 24, 2005

Mayor Lauds Business Support in Preventing Misuse of Cough, Cold Medications

The township-wide information campaign to prevent the abuse of over-the-counter (OTC) cough and cold medicines has had positive results, Mayor Frank G. Pelzman has announced.

“Six months ago the Township Council asked our Health & Human Services Department to raise community awareness of the problem and gain support from local retailers in working toward a solution,” says Mayor Pelzman. “A recent survey indicates that this is exactly what is happening.”

In June, 2004 the Woodbridge Department of Health and Human Services mailed letters to owners and managers of pharmacies and convenience stores throughout the Township, warning them to be alert for excessive purchases of OTC cough and cold medicines, particularly by teens.

The medicines contain the ingredient dextromethorphan (DXM), a cough suppressant which, when ingested in a higher than recommended dose, can cause narcotic intoxication similar to the effects of the illegal drug PCP. Health and law enforcement officials across the United States have noted a marked increase in teens and young adults overdosing on medicines containing DXM. More than 125 current OTC products contain DXM. Improper use of these medicines can produce serious symptoms, from vomiting and heart arrhythmia to respiratory failure, paralysis and even death.

According to Department of Health and Human Services Director Dennis Green, one-third of the Woodbridge Township pharmacists contacted in the phone and mail survey said they had taken steps to make OTC cough and cold medicines less easily available, including placing them behind the counter in the prescription area and asking for age identification.

One-fourth of the respondents said they now limit the quantity of the medicines an individual can purchase and have programmed their registers to alert them when an excessive amount is being rung up. Three pharmacists stated they engage in educational outreach with customers buying OTC cough and cold medicines.

Councilman Charles Kenny sponsored the Council initiative and is pleased with the survey results. “ This is a preventive public health measure we feel is in the best interests of our young people,” he said. “OTC cough and cold medicine abuse is difficult to spot, and we are grateful for the assistance we’re getting from retailers and pharmacists. It has been a huge help in avoiding any tragedy related to these medications.”