For the record, I want to say I understand the stance of those who need pseudoephedrine HCI (PSE) and oppose it being made a prescription drug. I, too, use it and need it for chronic sinus/allergy problems.
I was recently able to buy health insurance again, after losing it when the economy fell. Both my husband and I are self-employed; he is covered by V.A. benefits, while I, on the other hand, pay quite a sum each month for health insurance. So, I understand, first hand, that making pseudoephedrine a prescription medication is not only an inconvenience, but a monetary inconvenience.
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