Sine-Off Fights Methamphetamine Abuse Through Reformulation of All Products

NEW YORK, Dec. 7 /PRNewswire/ -- Ever think that a cold remedy could help to curb a dangerous drug epidemic sweeping the nation? Sine-Off, a leading brand for cold, flu and sinus relief for over 35 years, is doing precisely that by joining the fight against the production and abuse of methamphetamine in communities across America. Sine-Off has become the first and only brand of cold, cough, flu and sinus medicine to completely remove pseudoephedrine, an essential ingredient used in the production of methamphetamine, from all of its products -- not only nasal decongestants -- just in time for the upcoming 2005/2006 cold and flu season.

Sine-Off has made all of its products safe from potential meth conversion by using phenylephrine in place of pseudoephedrine. The sale and distribution of pseudoephedrine-based products is being regulated in an increasing number of states in order to help halt the production and distribution of meth. As a result, many states now require customers to purchase medicine containing pseudoephedrine from the pharmacy counter in specified limited quantities and only after showing proof of identification. With this reformulation, consumers will be able to purchase as much Sine-Off as they need directly off store shelves nationwide instead of from behind the pharmacy counter.

Hogil Pharmaceutical Corporation and its Sine-Off Charitable Foundation announced that it will provide an unrestricted educational grant to the Partnership for a Drug-Free America(R) to support the Partnership's education campaigns targeting meth abuse across the country. Currently, the Partnership is introducing research-based education campaigns targeting meth in regions hit hard by meth abuse. Best known for their national education campaigns, the Partnership is a coalition of volunteers from the communications industry dedicated to reducing drug use among teens.

"At Sine-Off we are committed to doing more for our customers than simply alleviating symptoms. We want to do our part in helping to make Americans aware of the dangers of methamphetamine use and to help the victims of meth abuse," stated David Trager, Sine-Off President. "This is only the beginning of our efforts." With these positive strides, Sine-Off is helping to put over-the-counter cold medicine back where it belongs, on the shelf.

About the Abuse of Methamphetamine:

Methamphetamine is an addictive stimulant drug that can be taken orally, injected, snorted or smoked. Often called "crystal," "ice" or "glass," meth is available as a crystal-like powdered substance or in large rock-like chunks.*

Once a threat largely in the Southwest, the use and production of meth has moved steadily eastward, with especially severe impact on the Midwest, Northwest and portions of the South. Meth users are prone to violence and neglectful behavior that can affect their children and neighbors, and the chemicals used in meth production are flammable and highly toxic, posing a twofold threat to the environment and residents.*

Nationwide, approximately 12 million people have tried meth at least once, with 1.4 million people reporting use in the past year. While national prevalence data show meth use in the United States is slowly declining, illegal meth labs continue to threaten communities and strain local law enforcement resources in affected regions.

  * According to the Partnership for a Drug-Free America

  About Sine-Off:

Sine-Off, a leading cold, cough, flu and sinus brand for over 35 years, is owned by parent company Hogil Pharmaceutical Corporation. In the spring of 2004, Sine-Off responded to new laws regulating the sale of pseudoephedrine by reformulating its entire line of products to replace pseudoephedrine, the active ingredient in many cold remedies also essential in the production of methamphetamine, with phenylepherine. Sine-Off products are available on the shelves at leading drug, pharmacy and food stores nationwide, including CVS, Eckerd/Brooks, Kmart, Wegmans, Fred Meyer, Longs, Harris Teeter, Kerr Drug, Fred's, Family Dollar and many others. For more information please visit http://www.sineoff.com/.

About the Partnership for a Drug-Free America(R):

The Partnership for a Drug-Free America(R) is a private, national non profit coalition of professionals from the communications industry. Best known for its national, drug-education advertising campaign, the Partnership's mission is to reduce illicit drug use in America. The Partnership's State/City Alliance Program supports the Partnership's mission at the local level. The Partnership receives major funding from The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and financial support from more than 200 private sector corporations. The Partnership accepts no money from alcohol or tobacco manufacturers. All actors in the Partnership's ads appear pro bono through the generosity of the Screen Actors Guild and the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists. http://www.drugfree.org/

   Media Contact:
   Sean Evans
   212-352-4619 / sevans@limeprpromo.com