01/30/2019 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 01/31/2019 14:12
WASHINGTON, D.C. (January 30, 2019) - The Consumer Healthcare Products Association (CHPA) applauds today's introduction of H.R. 863, the DXM Abuse Prevention Act of 2019, sponsored by Representatives Doris Matsui (D-CA) and Bill Johnson (R-OH). The bipartisan legislation would set a national age-18 requirement for the purchase of over-the-counter (OTC) medicines containing the cough suppressant dextromethorphan (DXM), an ingredient which is abused by some teenagers to get high.
'There is strong evidence to suggest that age-restriction policies in combination with public education have contributed to the decline in abuse rates,' said CHPA President and CEO Scott Melville. 'Age-restriction laws have already been implemented in 17 states and we applaud Representatives Matsuiand Johnsonfor their ongoing commitment to this issue on the federal level.'
DXM is a safe and effective ingredient found in more than 100 OTC medicines. While millions of Americans rely on these medicines to relieve cough and cold symptoms, some teens report taking 25 times or more of the recommended dose to get high. The 2018 National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) Monitoring the Future study reported that approximately one in 30 teens admits to abusing DXM to get high. When first reported in 2006, the number of teens abusing OTC cough medicines was nearly twice that amount but has declined significantly since then.
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The Consumer Healthcare Products Association (CHPA) is the 138-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.org202.429.3534