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drdĒv€
12-07-2005, 07:58 AM
With the onset of colder days the inevitable sniffles, coughs and flu symptoms are soon to follow. This year, however, students may find it more difficult to purchase their regular over-the-counter medication.

Certain restrictions now placed on some cough suppressants require age verifications upon purchase.

"We have an age limit for all products containing Dextromethorphan, or DXM. The age limit is 18, and [identification is] required before purchase," Tiffani Bruce, a spokesperson for Walgreens, said.

A visit to a local pharmacy may make students aware of a few changes this year. Instead of finding some popular cough and cold medicines on shelves, customers may have to approach the pharmacy counter.

Some pharmacies have a card system in place where customers simply grab a card with the picture of the product they want to give to the pharmacy technician.

"There is a prompt at the cash register, and when a customer goes to check-out they must show an ID," Bruce explained.

Bruce said some restrictions were placed on products containing DXM at the end of 2003, but the policy on all products containing DXM went into effect July 1, 2005.

The effects of misusing DXM may make it potentially harmful.

"DXM is a cough suppressant. It is in almost every cough medicine," Deb Tostovarsnik, an advanced practice registered nurse, said.

Tostovarsnik explained when DXM is used in small, appropriate doses it is safe and affective. She said the danger of these products comes when they are mixed with alcohol or other types of nervous system depressants.

"The combination of the two increases the effects of the medicine," she said.

A recent article by the Food and Drug Administration stated the warnings about possible abuse of DXM.

According to the article, "abuse of the drug can cause death as well as other serious adverse events such as brain damage, seizure, loss of consciousness and irregular heart beat."

The article continues to list the different forms DXM can take, including capsules, liquids, lozenges and tablets.

Bruce said Walgreens stores carry over 200 cough and cold products, which contain DXM. All of them are marked with special codes. These special codes alert the cashier to check the ID of the customer and ensure he or she is at least 18-years-old.

According to Bruce, the biggest potential for abuse of the drugs is with underage individuals, which is why Walgreens and other pharmacies seem to have taken action.

"It was a voluntary action taken in response to the growing concern for the misuse of products containing DXM - especially for minors," she said. "For us to code all of these products was not an easy process, but we feel as a leader in this industry it was important to do so," Bruce said.

By attaching the age requirements, Walgreens is helping parents and law enforcement cut down on the misuse of DXM, Bruce explained.

Tostovarsnik said she feels preventing minors from purchasing the drug could have positive results.

"I think having [age requirements] helps make it more difficult for kids to get their hands on these cough medicines, but I think like anything else, if they want it bad enough, they'll find a way to get it," Tostovarsnik said.

While the results of age verification may reduce the amount of youths misusing DXM, it could cause longer lines at pharmacy counters.

Rita Lawrence, an elementary school teacher and resident of Roselle, recently experienced a crowded pharmacy line.

"I had to wait in a ridiculous line at the pharmacy just to go buy Tylenol Sinus," Lawrence said.

While at the pharmacy, Lawrence said she noticed many products that were no longer on the shelves.

Joe Thulin, a senior industrial technology major, explained he does not completely agree with the idea of restricting minors from purchasing DXM. He feels if minors cannot get a hold of the cough medicines, they will just find some other means of getting a temporary high.

"Better [DXM] than coke," Thulin said.


http://www.dailyvidette.com/media/paper420...n-1122944.shtml (http://www.dailyvidette.com/media/paper420/news/2005/12/07/Features/Cough.Syrup.Creates.Sticky.Situation-1122944.shtml)

Arm
12-07-2005, 10:28 AM
Way to go assholes, your turning the drug store into a police state. :magnus_grey: So, people 18 or older who use DXM (nonmedically B)) are not a concern to you but minors are?

Unnamed
12-12-2005, 03:33 PM
Originally posted by Arm@Dec 7 2005, 10:28 AM
Way to go assholes, your turning the drug store into a police state. :magnus_grey: So, people 18 or older who use DXM (nonmedically B)) are not a concern to you but minors are?
Of course... what adult with drink cough syrup to get high? Thats just ludicris. :nitin:

aniwarp
12-12-2005, 05:58 PM
I would NEVER do such a thing! Drinking cough syrup to get high? Fuck that!

Hey... pass the robogels.