West Shore Pharmacies Move Cough and Cold Medications Behind the Counter Amid Youth Abuse Concerns

Teenagers on the West Shore of British Columbia have been reported to be abusing cough and cold medications containing dextromethorphan (DXM), leading to concerns about youth substance abuse in the area. In response to this issue, the B.C. College of Pharmacists has requested that a dozen pharmacies remove these medications from shelves and stock them behind the counter, where sales to minors will be closely monitored. This decision comes after reports of four teenagers between the ages of 14 and 16 seeking help to detox from cough medicine at a specialized youth clinic in Victoria.

Key Takeaways:

• The B.C. College of Pharmacists has requested that 12 pharmacies on the West Shore of British Columbia remove cough and cold medications containing dextromethorphan (DXM) from shelves and stock them behind the counter.
• The decision comes after reports of youth abusing DXM-containing medications, with four teenagers between the ages of 14 and 16 seeking help to detox from cough medicine at a specialized youth clinic in Victoria.
• The College of Pharmacists cited a Globe and Mail article stating that five teens had recently overdosed on cough medicine as a reason for the request to pharmacists.
• Pharmacists will closely monitor the behavior of customers attempting to purchase large amounts of cough syrup, and will intervene if necessary.
• The College of Pharmacists may ask more pharmacies in Greater Victoria to stock DXM medications in the dispensary.
• Parents are being advised to educate themselves and their children about the serious side effects of abusing DXM-containing medications.
• The issue highlights the need for parents to monitor their children's consumption of medications and educate them about the dangers of substance abuse.

Statistics:

• 4 teenagers between the ages of 14 and 16 have sought help to detox from cough medicine at a specialized youth clinic in Victoria in the past two weeks.
• 5 teenagers have recently overdosed on cough medicine, according to a Globe and Mail article.
• DXM-containing medications have been sold over-the-counter for more than 40 years.
• The B.C. College of Pharmacists has requested that 12 pharmacies on the West Shore move cough and cold medications behind the counter.

Sources:

• Goldstream News Gazette: "Pharmacies move cough and cold meds behind counter as teens abuse DXM"
• Globe and Mail article (cited in College of Pharmacists letter to pharmacists)
• B.C. College of Pharmacists
• Vancouver Island Health Authority