Missouri Implements New rule to Protect Mail-order Medications from Extreme Temperatures
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – When temperatures soar or plummet,the integrity of prescription medications can be compromised. Extreme heat or cold can alter the chemical makeup of medications,rendering them ineffective or even perilous. This issue is especially concerning for those relying on mail-order pharmacies, where improper packaging can expose medications to harsh environmental conditions.
To address this, the Missouri Board of Pharmacy has introduced a new rule requiring pharmacies to use protective packaging that safeguards the potency of medications during transit. The rule,which took effect recently,aims to ensure that medications remain effective nonetheless of external temperatures.
Lorette Boesing,a Missouri mother,played a pivotal role in advocating for this change. Her journey began in 2012 when her two-year-old son, who had recently undergone a liver transplant, received medication that had been exposed to extreme heat. “I felt that the medications, and they were so hot, and I’m thinking, doesn’t feel right, but surely they wouldn’t do this if it wasn’t safe,” Boesing recalled.
On a scorching 102-degree day, her son’s medication was left in the mailbox in only a bag. The heat rendered the medication ineffective, and her son’s body began to reject the transplanted liver. “The life that we just got done fighting for in the hospital, my son’s life was at risk again,” Boesing said.Thankfully, her son recovered after receiving new medication, but the experience spurred Boesing into action. She founded the advocacy group United for Safe Medications and spent over a decade pushing for regulatory changes.Her efforts culminated in the Missouri Board of Pharmacy adopting the new rule.
Under the new regulation, pharmacies must use packaging that protects medications from extreme temperatures. Patients who receive improperly packaged medications can report unsafe shipping conditions to the Missouri Board of Pharmacy.
Boesing’s fight isn’t over. she is now advocating for stricter national regulations, urging the FDA to implement more robust rules with enforceable consequences.| Key Points of the New Rule |
|——————————–|
| Requires protective packaging for medications during transit |
| Ensures medications remain effective in extreme temperatures |
| allows patients to report unsafe shipping conditions |
| Inspired by advocacy from United for Safe Medications |
As temperatures continue to fluctuate, this new rule is a critical step in protecting the health and safety of Missourians who rely on mail-order medications. for those who suspect their medications have been compromised, filing a complaint with the Missouri Board of Pharmacy is a vital recourse.
Boesing’s story is a testament to the power of advocacy and the importance of ensuring that medications remain safe and effective, no matter the weather.
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Expert Interview: Navigating Missouri’s New Mail-Order Medication Temperature Protection Rule with Dr.Ada Sterling, Pharmaceutical Safety Specialist
Introduction:
In an effort to safeguard the integrity adn efficacy of prescription medications, the Missouri Board of Pharmacy has introduced a groundbreaking new rule targeting mail-order pharmacies.This rule, inspired by the advocacy of United for Safe Medications, requires pharmacies to use temperature-protective packaging and allows patients to report unsafe shipping conditions.To shed light on this critical growth, we sat down with Dr.Ada Sterling,a renowned pharmaceutical safety specialist,to discuss the implications of this new regulation and what it means for Missouri residents relying on mail-order medications.
Q: Dr. Sterling, can you provide some background on why extreme temperatures can compromise medication effectiveness?
A: Absolutely. Many medications, especially those like insulin or certain antibiotics, are sensitive to temperature fluctuations. Extreme heat or cold can change the chemical composition of these drugs, rendering them either ineffective or, worse, harmful. This is a significant issue, especially for patients who rely on mail-order pharmacies, as medications are exposed to varying environmental conditions during transit.
Q: Missouri’s new rule aims to address this issue. Can you walk us through what changes pharmacies need to make under this new regulation?
A: Under the new rule, mail-order pharmacies in Missouri must use protective packaging that safeguards the potency of medications during transit, ensuring they remain effective nonetheless of external temperatures. This could include insulated containers, phase change materials, or even temperature-logging devices to monitor and track conditions throughout the journey. Additionally, patients can now report any suspected instances of improper packaging to the Missouri Board of Pharmacy.
Q: The story behind this new rule is deeply personal, involving a mother’s fight to protect her son. How do you think this rule will impact patients and their families?
A: I think this rule is a significant step in the right direction, not just for Missouri, but for the rest of the country.It sends a clear message that patient safety is a paramount concern. For families like the one you mentioned, this rule provides much-needed peace of mind, knowing that their medications are less likely to be compromised by extreme temperatures. Moreover, it empowers patients to take action if they suspect a problem, giving them a direct line to report unsafe shipping conditions.
Q: While this is a step forward, some argue it might not go far enough. What are your thoughts on the need for stricter national regulations?
A: I agree that while Missouri’s new rule is commendable,it’s a single state’s effort. To ensure consistent protection for patients across the country, we do need more robust federal regulations. We need a comprehensive approach that considers the entire supply chain, from manufacturers to pharmacies to shipping services. I applaud the efforts of organizations like united for Safe Medications pushing for stricter national guidelines.
Q: Dr.Sterling,thank you for joining us today and providing your expert insights into this crucial topic.
A: My pleasure. Thank you for raising awareness about this critical issue.
