Dextromethorphan Distribution ACt of 2006
DEXTROMETHORPHAN DISTRIBUTION ACT OF 2006 -- (House of Representatives - December 06, 2006)
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Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 5280, the Dextromethorphan Distribution Act of 2006, a bill that would authorize the FDA to restrict the distribution of dex to registered producers of drugs and devices in order to protect the public health.
We know it is cold and flu season, and throughout our Nation pharmacies and convenience store shelves are stocked with over-the-counter medicines containing dex. Dex is an active ingredient in many over-the-counter OTC cough and cold medications. When used as directed, dex has proven to be an effective cough suppressant. Unfortunately, an alarming number of Americans, particularly teenagers, are abusing a variety of prescription over-the-counter OTC medications to get high, including those containing dex. Efforts to keep dex out of the hands of minors have proved difficult. Over-the-counter medicines containing dex are easy to find, easy to afford, and perfectly legal to possess. H.R. 5280 attempts to curb dex's misuse and abuse by restricting its access to registered producers of drugs and devices and providing the FDA with statutory tools to keep dex out of the hands of young people. This legislation is aimed at preventing drug dealers from purchasing dex wholesale and selling over the Internet and on the streets to young people seeking a cheap high.
Mr. Speaker, this bill is merely one step. Parents and guardians must continue the often difficult task of talking with our young people about drug misuse and abuse. Even if your child does not abuse dex, odds suggest they know someone who does. And I am glad to know that H.R. 5280 has the support of key stakeholder groups, including the American Pharmacist Association, the Partnership for a Drug Free America, the Consumer Health Products Association, and the Association for Addiction Counselors. I want to acknowledge our colleagues, particularly Mr. Upton and Mr. Larsen, for their fine work on this legislation.
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