Emma Thompson was finally able to receive her prescription, but the delay highlighted the medical complications some patients face States with Strict Abortion RegulationsJune reversal even if their medication was not prescribed to terminate the pregnancy Law vs. Wade Power says it’s forcing pharmacists, patients and doctors to “constantly juggle,” balancing changes in healthcare and policy, as well as potential legal consequences.
“I don’t think anyone understands the impact of such sweeping and sweeping anti-abortion laws and how many other women are affected by this,” she added. For example, how can I tell that women can’t take this drug that men can take? can you
Throughout Emma’s life, rheumatoid arthritis — an inflammatory disease in which the body’s immune system attacks healthy tissue in the joints — has resulted in lengthy hospital stays, clinical trials, and simply “too much pain to live a normal life.” Brought to you by Kaitlyn Preble. For 10 years, her daughter’s doctor tried various doses of methotrexate, and finally, about a year ago, it was just a drug that allowed Emma to grow up, go to school, and “be just a normal teenager.” I got a good amount.
All of that seemed at stake on Sept. 25, when Preble checked the Walgreens app to see if Emma’s prescription was ready. Instead of a green light indicating it was ready for pickup, I got a message stating that my methotrexate refill was declined.
“They didn’t even tell me why,” Preble said. “I was just told I had to call the doctor.”
Still, Preble said it hinted at the state’s new anti-abortion law – which dates back to the 19th century and bans any procedure except to save the life of a pregnant person. Life—had something to do with it. Her suspicions were confirmed the next day when Preble drove to the pharmacy and she “got a big deal inside,” she said.
Initially, no one was there to explain why her daughter couldn’t get her “essential to health” medicine, Preble said. She then urged the pharmacy technician to get some answers.
“The pharmacist said he denied it because Emma was 14,” Preble said. “She’s been on this drug for a long time,” the pharmacist said, “no.” I think this is very important. “
All the while, Preble was shaking and crying. But it would be very unfair to force a child into this unpredictable situation. And you don’t have to jump through all these hoops to get the medicine. “
In a statement to The Post, a Walgreens spokeswoman said that while the company cannot discuss individual patients, “new laws in various states require additional steps to dispense certain prescriptions. and applies to all pharmacies, including Walgreens.”
“In these states, our pharmacists work closely with prescribers as needed to create legal and clinically appropriate prescriptions,” a spokesperson said. “We provide ongoing training and information to ensure our pharmacists understand the latest requirements in their field.”
Patients across the country face a similar situation as more drugs come under scrutiny. Many of the drugs are teratogens, or drugs that can cause fetal abnormalities or miscarriages if taken by a pregnant person. You may need to submit a pregnancy test to the pharmacy to fill your prescription for the medication. report.
As for methotrexate, it is or is being used rheumatoid arthritis patient — Medical groups have already said that access to medicines is becoming more of a challenge. For example, Texas allows pharmacists to refuse to fill prescriptions for misoprostol and methotrexate under the state’s “Heartbeat Bill.”American College of Rheumatology I urged the pharmacist in July It calls for the drug to be provided nationwide “without delay and provided it has not been used for abortion.”
“Methotrexate must remain accessible to people with rheumatic diseases, and legal safeguards must protect rheumatologists, pharmacists, and patients from potential legal penalties,” says Medical. The group said in a statement.
The new law is also affecting patients with other diseases, such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. In August, the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation said it was “vigorously opposed” to policies that would prevent patients from accessing approved treatments.
“Decisions about what is the most appropriate treatment for their disease should be made as a shared decision between patients and health care professionals, according to medical evidence,” the organization wrote. statement.
Her daughter’s next refill isn’t scheduled for another month, but Preble said she already fears the possibility of another rejection.
“These laws are too extreme and do not consider all the different scenarios that people are going through,” she said.
