Here is the truth as to why mail-order pharmacies wouldn't place temperature sensors on the packages: in the summer and as mail order pharmacy ships most medications in only a bag, most would turn RED revealing the medications stored in only bags were exposed to extreme heat exposure.
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Cynthia asked Express Scripts, one of the largest mail-order pharmacies, why they wouldn't just place a sensor on the packages that would alert patients if their medications have been stored at unsafe temperature ranges? Obviously, the representative from Express Scripts felt a little uncomfortable with that question. From her body language, many stated that they could feel the representative's uncertainty in her response.
In the summer of 2019, our supporters participated in a study that shipped the sensors with data loggers across the nation. Every package came back with the sensor showing that the package was exposed to extreme heat outside of the manufacturer's suggested storage ranges.
Some packages reached temperatures of over 120 degrees, and I wasn't surprised. My own UPS driver told me that on a 90-degree day that the temperature in the storage area in the back of the truck is so high that he has to step back for a second because he can't breathe due to the heat. "It's definitely over 104 degrees on a 90-degree day," he said, and he's mandated to keep the doors closed unless he's retrieving a package. How hot does it have to be in the trucks for a person to be unable to breathe? Mailboxes are also extremely hot. All medications, including room temperature medications, have limits on how long they can be left in these conditions before they become less effective, ineffective, or toxic.
Why are patients and parents forced to put medications in these unsafe temperature ranges as mail order is left as the only option of coverage when there are local pharmacies that often provide free delivery of medications in temperature-controlled vehicles? Profits. Why, after 173,000 supporters on this petition, are we still being ignored? Lobbyists.
We are pleading for the option to keep our medications safe and to protect the lives of patients. We will not stop until we see justice and change.
Here is the in-depth investigative NBC report.
Thank you all for your support!
Loretta Boesing
Issues With Mail-order Pharmacy Facebook Page
Email: loretta@uniteforsafemeds.com
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