Syringes should be sold over the counter

[bemildred]

I am curious what the MDs here think about this.

For a generally progressive state, California falls surprisingly behind on certain issues. One of these is allowing the purchase of syringes without a prescription. Syringes are already an over-the-counter medical supply in 47 states. It's long past time for the same to be true in California.

A pilot program signed into law in 2004 by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger allowed sales of syringes by pharmacies in counties that elected to join. Los Angeles was one of those. Yes, most of the sales were to addicts, who used the syringes to further their use of illegal drugs. But new syringes help prevent the spread of AIDS and hepatitis C; the rates of those diseases fell in the participating counties, though it's unclear how much of the change was directly attributable to the sales. Meanwhile, there were no signs that drug abuse worsened in those jurisdictions or that pharmacies became new hangouts for addicts.

Though the pilot program was extended in 2010 for an additional five years, Schwarzenegger was unwilling to sign a sensible bill that would have allowed the sales statewide. Perhaps Gov. Jerry Brown will look more favorably on SB 41, a nearly identical bill that has passed the state Senate and is seen as having a good chance of approval in the Assembly.

Under the bill, written by Sen. Leland Yee (D-San Francisco), it would be up to pharmacies throughout California to decide whether to sell the syringes. Customers would be able to buy as many as 30 at a time. The law would sunset in 2015 unless it is reauthorized after the state Department of Public Health reports on its effects.

http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/opinionla/la-ed-syringe-20110726,0,7871295.story

[slackmaster]

1. The BigPharma/Medical Complex and their prescription monopoly is too strong here

Compassion and human needs play second fiddle to the needs of doctors, retailers, drug companies, and public employees who enforce the Byzantine network of laws, rules, and regulations.

It's Fascism, and nobody is going to be able to break their stranglehold.

ETA I buy syringes by the box for my cat's allergy shots.

[MineralMan]

2. I think all syringe sales should be accompanied by flyers for

free or low-cost drug treatment programs and AIDS testing programs. I want sterile syringes available, but I'd like to see some educational stuff supplied with every purchase.

[bemildred]

4. Well, I know they are easy to get for veterinary use, for one thing.

It's just amazing what you can get for veterinary use, and cheaply too. I have wondered at times if junkies ever make use of such sources.

[slackmaster]

5. Not in California. Vets can hand out a few, and my vet has, but if you need to buy 100...

...you will have to get a prescription from your veterinarian.

[bemildred]

6. You do need a prescription here in California, from a vet, it's true.

So junkies need to have pets, very sick pets.

[slackmaster]

7. I have known a few junkies. One was a close friend. He's in prison now for robbery.

Junkies need to get clean.

[bemildred]

8. So true.

I known a few junkies too, it's amazing how often they have a dog or two.

[sinkingfeeling]

3. Don't need a prescription for syringes in Arkansas.

[Tumbulu]

9. I'm in Ca and I don't need a prescription to buy needles

or syringes for my animals. I just go to the feed store and buy them in packs of 25 or 100. No prescription. Maybe it is just in urban areas without feed stores.....

[bemildred]

10. That's what I've seen happen too. nt