Battle Looms Over Restriction On Cold Medicine Used For Meth

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — The 2016 legislative session has yet to start, but already pharmaceutical industry groups are clashing with law enforcement organizations over a bill that would require a prescription for a common a cold medicine also used to make methamphetamine.

Proponents say something has to be done to roll back Indiana's leading status in the number of yearly meth lab discoveries. Prosecutors say that while the proposal will not stop the state's meth problem, they believe it will curtail the number of meth labs.

But critics say the added cost and hassle is unfair to consumers, who will have to visit the doctor to obtain a prescription. And they add that the government may wind up paying that cost through Medicaid and Medicare.

The legislative session starts Jan. 5.