Coasties will soon find it easier to access effective cold and flu medicine as pseudoephedrine returns to pharmacy shelves.

Associate Health Minister David Seymour expressed his satisfaction with the recent law change that allows the public to purchase pseudoephedrine to protect against winter illnesses.

"Pharmacies are now putting the medicines back on their shelves," said Mr Seymour.

"In coming days, more and more Kiwis will be able to head down to their local pharmacy and get their hands on some effective cold and flu medicine."

Mr Seymour highlighted the importance of this change, especially during the winter season when colds and flu are prevalent.

"This accessibility will be a real relief to New Zealanders suffering from colds and flu this winter.

They will be able to access the same effective cold and flu medicines that are available in Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom and the United States."

While the accessibility of pseudoephedrine has been increased, safeguards remain in place to prevent misuse.

Mr Seymour emphasised that pseudoephedrine will continue to be classified as a controlled drug and a precursor substance.

Restrictions on importing and exporting these medicines are still in effect, and authorities like New Zealand Police and New Zealand Customs have the power to seize illicit products.

"The coalition government has delivered on its commitment to making principled decisions by getting rid of red tape that doesn’t make sense and allowing sick New Zealanders greater freedom and choice to purchase effective cold and flu medicines," Mr Seymour stated.

This decision marks a significant shift in policy, reflecting a balance between providing necessary healthcare options to the public and maintaining strict control measures to prevent the potential misuse of pseudoephedrine.

The government's swift action and the efficient approval process by Medsafe have been crucial in implementing this change in time for the winter season.

As pharmacies across the country begin to restock pseudoephedrine-based medicines, New Zealanders can look forward to better management of cold and flu symptoms with increased access to these effective treatments.