I am honored to speak at the National Boards of Pharmacy meeting before students who shared alarming temperatures of mail order pharmacy data. Keep in mind that many are forced to their insurance-owned mail order pharmacy that ships most medications in only bags.
The study was inspired by my son's story and confirmed my fears.
I appreciate the Boards for their desire to learn more about the issues and hope that they will do more to protect us as the students study showed alarming findings:
- 80% of simulated packages reached temperatures deemed “Excessive” or “Unsafe” by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) and the USP (United States Pharmacopeia).
- Room temperature packages were exposed to temperatures above 120 degrees.
- Even foam coolers with icepacks reached temperatures of over 90 degrees.
Why aren't the news stations warning patients?
Medications can arrive less potent, become toxic, and the absorption of the medication through the bloodstream can be affected when meds are stored unsafely. In my opinion, it's fraud to not warn patients of the risks or that it's left unregulated.
After my speech, I was surrounded by praise from some of the Board members who would go on to state that this is an issue that they will put on their agenda in Texas and Louisiana, so if you're in these states please get involved with your Board of Pharmacy and follow them on the issue.
I also connected with a Dean of Texas A&M who is conducting a medication temperature study for Amazon. Some of Amazon's trucks are airconditioned unlike most UPS and USPS trucks. It will be exciting to see the outcomes.
I have more hope after being allowed to speak on the issue and hope that I served our supporters of this petition well by mentioning the issues, the stories, and the urgent need for change.
Please listen and share the recording. Learn about the issues and get involved. This is going to take all of us to put pressure on them to do the right thing.
Please contact me with any suggestions or desire to help.
Loretta Boesing, Patient Advocate
Email: Loretta@untieforsafemedications.com