Pharmaceutical Industry Fighting W.Va. Prescription-Only Pseudoephedrine Bill

The pharmaceutical industry is mounting a media blitz against a West Virginia bill requiring prescriptions for cold medicines.
 
The Consumer Healthcare Products Association argues customers would face higher costs and have less purchasing freedom. The group paid for Internet and radio ads and a study. Pseudoephedrine-based products, like Sudafed and Claritin D, are being used illegally to make methamphetamines.

Authorities busted 533 West Virginia meth labs last year. That is almost twice as many as 2012. Labs were found in 45 of 55 counties.
 
The pseudoephedrine bill passed the Senate, but has a tough road in the House of Delegates. It has until March 8 to pass the Judiciary Committee and the House. Judiciary Chairman Tim Manchin said there is opposition to the bill on his panel.