Why do you have to scan your ID for a purchase of OTC cold medicine?

*****Because is the Law*********

In March 2006 Congress passed new requirements for the sale of all (single and multiingredient) Pseudoephedrine and ephedrine-containing products. The new law (Public Law 109-177) places ephedrine, pseudoephedrine (PSE), and phenylpropanolamine in a new Controlled Substances Act (CSA) category of ‘scheduled listed chemical Products’. Drug products containing ephedrine, PSE, and phenylpropanolamine are Subject to sales restrictions, storage requirements and record keeping requirements.

The law creates a daily sales limit (3.6 grams) and monthly purchase limit (9.0 Grams) additionally; the law establishes a requirement to

Maintain a logbook of sales and this is why the pharmacy tech. at the pharmacy will have to scan your id, since the logbook is now electronic.

Seller must maintain a written or electronic logbook* which

Must identify:

• The product name

• The quantity sold

• Names and addresses of purchasers

• Dates and times of sales

Purchasers must present a photo ID* and sign the logbook (which is now electronic)

That photo ID has to be:

-A valid driver license (non expired)

- A valid state ID (non expired)

- A valid U.S Passport.

-A valid military ID

Actually you don’t really need to know why they keep track on how often you used the pseudoephedrine. It’s a federal law and pharmacy techs will lose they job if they don’t do the right thing.

Any way I will tell you why it’s restricted.

1.     People are using that control substance PSE* to make illegal drugs**** methamphetamine******

2.   It’s also for your own safety because it might have bad side effects.

3.   You should consult the pharmacist to make sure you are getting the right medication.

TIPS: Do not argue too much with the person selling you the product, he/she  will not sell it to you without scanning your ID or manually put your personal information  into  the computer. What might happen  is the pharmacy associate may report you after you leave the counter.

           Visit the FDA website you will find everything you need to know there.

http://www.fda.gov/drugs/drugsafety/informationbydrugclass/ucm072423.htm