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Thieves have stolen more than $3,000 worth of Mucinex DM--a nasal decongestant--from several Hampton drug stores recently, according to police.
Police are trying to identify three suspects wanted in connection with the theft of 117 boxes of the over-the-counter drug.
On August 2, two men stole multiple boxes of Mucinex from three Hampton drug stores. In each case, police said one suspect would hold open a dark colored bag while the other suspect grabbed all the boxes of Mucinex from the shelves and dumped them in the bag.
The suspects drove off in a car driven by a third suspect.
Health officials say the theft highlights a recent popular and dangerous trend among teens who are misusing Mucinex DM.
"Patients can have euphoric effects where they get lightheaded out of touch with reality, but that can quickly lead to uncontrollable behavior, it can lead to a seizure, it can lead to them becoming unconscious," said Dr. Rutherfoord Rose of Virginia Poison Control.
He said parents should be on the lookout for strange behavior, stumbling or shaky eyes.
It is not known, however, the motive behind the Mucinex thefts.
Mucinex DM manufacturer, Reckitt Benckiser, released the following statement to 10 On Your Side:
"As one of the world’s leading manufacturers of OTC medicines, RB takes the health and safety of its consumers very seriously and is dedicated to continuing to develop high quality, safe and effective products that can be used with confidence.
"Mucinex DM (with Dextromethorphan) is a combination medication used to relieve cough caused by the common cold, bronchitis, and other breathing illnesses. It consists of Guaifenesin, an expectorant, and Dextromethorphan, a cough suppressant used in many over-the-counter cough medicines. Both Guaifenesin and Dextromethorphan are generally recognized by the FDA as safe and effective.
"At RB, the safe and appropriate use of our OTC cough and cold products is our highest priority. Mucinex DM adheres to the stringent legislation and guidelines required by the FDA to grant drug approval and marketing authorization. As with all medicines, we strongly urge consumers to carefully read and adhere to the instructions provided on the Mucinex DM package. Mucinex DM labeling clearly lists the conditions, the precautions for use, the recommended dose and the occasions on which it should not be taken. Consumers should consult with a doctor, health care provider or pharmacist if they have any questions before taking Mucinex."
CVS also released a statement regarding the incident:
"The safety and well-being of our customers and employees is our highest priority and we work closely with law enforcement in their investigations of robbery incidents. We are currently cooperating with local authorities in their investigations into this incident.
"We are committed to ensuring that CVS/pharmacy remains a safe environment for the Hampton, VA community to shop and fill their prescriptions.
"We have a voluntary age restriction on the sale of all products that contain the cough-suppressant, dextromethorphan (DXM). As a result, only customers ages 18 and older are allowed to purchase DXM products at CVS/pharmacy. We took this step due a rise in incidents of youths abusing products containing DXM."
A Rite Aid spokesperson told 10 On Your Side said it has the same age restriction and that customers can not purchase more than 3 boxes at a time.
At the Rite Aid on the 4800 block of W. Mercury Boulevard, an employee managed to grab a bag with 32 boxes from the suspects, but did not stop the suspects.
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Why Mucinex of all things?
