FRANCAIS

November 30, 2005

Healthy Living Minister Theresa Oswald today announced the plan to move 17 single-source pseudoephedrine products behind the pharmacy counter at Manitoba drug stores is going forward as part of the strategy to restrict the supply of and reduce the demand for crystal meth.

"We want to find ways to help ensure single-source pseudoephedrine products are used for their legitimate purpose of alleviating the symptoms of colds and aren’t used for the production of crystal meth," Oswald said. "We also want to give retailers enough time to be fully informed of the change so they can proceed in an orderly fashion."

Oswald said there will be a phased-in process that will result in the permanent movement of the products behind the counters of pharmacies:

• By regulation passed by the government today, single-source pseudoephedrine will be classified as a drug under the Pharmaceutical Act.

• Letters will be sent to non-pharmacy retailers informing them of the regulatory change and that they must have the process of pulling these products off the shelves completed by Jan. 15.

• The Manitoba Pharmaceutical Association will be developing its own regulatory change formalizing the practice of keeping single-source products in the dispensary of a pharmacy and informing pharmacists of the change.

"The Council of the Manitoba Pharmaceutical Association is supportive of the regulation changes needed to control the access to pseudoephedrine and preventative measures to decrease the abuse of crystal meth," Gary Cavanagh, president of the association.

"It is important for the government to take this proactive step in preventing the spread of crystal meth and I encourage my fellow retailers to co-operate as we all have families," said Wayne Appleyard, owner of Quarryview Esso of Stonewall.

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Pseudoephedrine                                                             Pumpuii Canada Inc.

PMS-pseudoephedrine HCL SYR 6mg/ml                      Pharmascience

PMS-pseudoephedrine HCL tab 60mg                           Pharmascience

Drixoral ND long-acting tab                                            Schering Canada Inc.

Benylin D for Infants                                                       Pfizer Canada Inc.

Sudafed Decongestant Children's Chewable Tablet         Pfizer Canada Inc.

Sudafed Decongestant Extra Strength Tablet                   Pfizer Canada Inc.

Nondrowsy Regular Strength Contac Cold 12 hour         GSK

Sudafed Decongestant 12-hour caplet                             Pfizer Canada Inc

Decon N S                                                                     Jaapharm Canada Inc.

Pseudofrin Tab 60mg                                                      Labratories Trianon Inc.

Eltor 120 - sustained release caplet                                 Aventis Pharma Inc.

Nasal + Sinus Decongestant Relief - Tab 60mg               Vita Health Products Inc.

Congest Aid Tab 30 mg                                                  Zee Medical Inc.

Triaminic Pediatric Oral Cold Drops - 7.5mg/0.8ml         Novartis

Tantafed Tab 60mg                                                        Tanta Pharmaceuticals Inc.

Pseudofrin Sirop 6mg/ml                                                 Labratories Trianon Inc.