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ST. LOUIS — Westport Pharmaceuticals has launched Zephrex-D, a tamper-resistant pseudoephedrine-based decongestant, at retail stores and pharmacies in the St. Louis area and throughout Missouri.
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The tablets feature tamper-resistant packaging. |
The company said Tuesday that Zephrex-D provides strong relief of congestion while safeguarding against the illicit manufacture of methamphetamine, of which pseudoephedrine is a key ingredient.
According to Westport, the formulation isn’t able to be converted in methamphetamine and, therefore, thwarts illegal meth makers without encumbering consumers seeking relief from sinus congestion and pressure.
Since it’s a pseudoephedrine-based product, Zephrex-D will be available behind the pharmacy counter and is subject to current federal, state and local purchase restrictions. Westport said that although some local ordinances require prescriptions for pseudoephedrine product purchases, Zephrex-D has been exempted from that requirement in several instances.
"The arrival of Zephrex-D is an integral part of a comprehensive solution to help end meth labs and meth-related crime in our local communities, throughout Missouri and ultimately across our country," stated Paul Hemings, vice president and general manager at Westport Pharmaceuticals.
In tandem with retailers, Westport plans to generate consumer acceptance of Zephrex-D and expand distribution nationally within the next year. The product is now available at such chains as CVS/pharmacy and Walmart in the St. Louis area and elsewhere in Missouri.
Westport reported that the number of clandestine and mobile meth lab seizures in Missouri has increased by 50% over the last four years. The cost to the state for law enforcement, prosecution, incarceration and site cleanup is estimated at more than $5 million annually.
