SPRINGFIELD – To offer clarity for patients and pharmacies, State Senator Laura Ellman is sponsoring a measure to ease restrictions on medication containing ephedrine – a drug commonly used to treat allergies and low blood pressure – if it is prescribed by a physician.

“Medical providers want to give their patients the best course of treatment, but current Illinois law does not make it clear if physicians can lawfully prescribe a drug containing ephedrine to treat certain conditions,” said Ellman (D-Naperville). “This puts providers and order pharmacies at risk of violating existing restrictions and places patients at risk of delayed care.”

To reduce the chance of abuse as a stimulant, ephedrine products are currently prohibited from being advertised in Illinois if they are labeled as enhancing stimulation, mental alertness, weight loss, appetite control, muscle enhancement, or energy. House Bill 2874 would ensure the law is clear that these restrictions do not apply to ephedrine medications that have been prescribed by a licensed physician for a legitimate medical reason.

“Patients should have access to prescriptions they need and medical providers should not be left confused if they are following the law,” said Ellman. “This measure puts authority rightfully in the hands of licensed medical professionals and supports Illinois patients.”

House Bill 2874 passed the Senate Public Health Committee on Tuesday.