JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KY3) – When temperatures reach dangerous lows, one thing to keep an eye on is prescription medications.
Extreme temperatures, whether freezing cold or boiling hot, can change a drug’s chemical composition. This can be a problem when using mail order pharmacies if the medication is not packaged properly.
The Missouri Board of Pharmacy recently implemented new rules requiring pharmacies in the state to package medications in protective packaging in extreme temperatures.
This new rules It states that pharmacies must use proper packaging that protects the potency of the drug. The Missouri Board of Pharmacy did not respond to our inquiries.
If you receive a package from a pharmacy that is not properly protected from the elements, you can report the unsafe shipping situation to the Missouri Board of Pharmacy. Contact information must be provided on the package sent to you. Alternatively, you can submit your contact information. File a complaint online.
Lorette Borsing played a major role in getting this new rule on the books.
“We thought they wouldn’t fail as regulators, they wouldn’t let us down, they would at least warn us of the risks, and it turns out they’re not doing that.” Borsing said.
In 2012, Borsing experienced the scariest day of his life. Her 2-year-old son recently underwent a liver transplant and is currently taking medication to help his body accept the new organ. However, there was something wrong with the medicine I received by mail.
“The medicine was so hot that I thought maybe I didn’t feel well, but I certainly wouldn’t have done this if it wasn’t safe,” Borsing said.
That summer day, the temperature reached 102 degrees, and my son’s medication was left in a bag in the mailbox. The drugs were no longer effective and my son’s body began to reject his liver.
“My son’s life was once again in danger after he had just finished fighting in the hospital,” Borsing said.
Her son felt better after being given a new medication, but that’s when Borsing started fighting for change. she formed a group Unite for safe medicines. More than a decade later, her request for change and new rules made its way to the Missouri Board of Pharmacy.
Borsing said he is keeping an eye on national regulations in hopes that the FDA can introduce stricter regulations with greater consequences.
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