PA allows over-the-counter syringe sales
Friday, September 18th, 2009
Philadelphia health officials say a new pharmacy rule will help slow the spread of HIV among injection-drug users. Pennsylvania residents can now buy needles and syringes at the pharmacy without a prescription.
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Nan Feyler is chief of staff in the Philadelphia Department of Public Health. She says HIV can spread when people share needles. Feyler says over-the-counter sales will make clean needles more available, and she says studies from other states show that the prevention strategy works.
Feyler: There's more privacy sometimes, there's much greater access than even with our needle exchange programs here in Philadelphia. You know, think about it pharmacies are open 24 hours a day, some of them, they're in many different neighborhoods, there's a trained health professional and pharmacists who's there if there's questions.
Supporters say the change is also a convenience for diabetics who rely on insulin and need an at-home supply of syringes.
Scott Burris is a health law professor at Temple University.
Burris: This is also needed as a way of fighting HIV and hepatitis, particularly hepatitis C, which spreads from injection drug use. Injection drug use not just of heroin, but cocaine, amphetamines even steroids.
Some people question whether addicts will go into a pharmacy to purchase clean needles. Burris thinks they will.
Burris: One of the big myths that makes it hard to get policy changes like this, is the belief that drug users don't want to be saved and can't be saved, in fact the evidence is overwhelming that drug users will get out of the way to save their own lives if we get out of the way, and what Pennsylvania has done today is get the law out of the way.
A prescription is no longer required, but pharmacists must supervise syringe sales and stock them behind the counter.
I think that selling insulin syringes OTC is a good idea. Not only will it slow down or stop the spread of other diseases but will add to the economy. I have ordered my syringes OTC in Canada without a R\X. Now I don't have to spend the money to see a Dr. as I am on disability and funds are VERY limited. Finialy the State has done something in the states best intrest. I have seen people use syringes till they get so dull you almost have to hammer them in so they can save mony, Now there is no need for that, use once and get rid of them in a sharps container. Like I said before the State has finialy done something for the good of the people.
anyone who thinks CRACKL cant be injected… it CAN. using lemon juice to break down the baking soda, it IS possible!
I work in a pharmacy and All We do is sell needles to crack heads. It s a big mistake. They deserve to get what ever they have coming to them.
how dare you! if it helps the spread of disease then whats the problem….
Crack can't be injected, dummy.
educate yourself, in London, people inject crack…not coke…CRACK!
Crackheads don't use needles dip shit and speaking as a heroin addict myself I'm psyched about this it'll stop the spread of aids and hiv
Great move for preventing HIV. Hopefully, people buying syringe will not use it for bad way. Posting reminders before buying syringe is important.
Preventing HIV is really a nice idea. It is really important that we should stop it. Well, i hope that other people will not abuse buying needles and syringes because they do not need to have a prescription.