Newswise — The American Pharmacists Association (APhA) applauds the Washington Post on its ground-breaking investigative series ("Pharmaceutical Roulette: A Vast, Unregulated Shadow Market" ) on threats to the U.S. prescription drug system, appearing in that newspaper during National Pharmacy Week (October 19-25). It is a measure of how significant this issue has become that the Post decided to launch its series with lead placement "above the fold." It's a measure of the complexity of the issue that the series spans five days of multi-page coverage. The Post's series will add greatly to public understanding of the threats to our medication supply system. APhA's own policy center will reference the series as we advocate for consumer protection against dangerous and illegal practices. APhA's recent FDA testimony reinforces the concerns that the Post has helped raise, in much-needed detail, to greater public awareness.
Another story in the October 20, 2003, Post underscores the need for this type of in-depth journalistic investigation. That story ("Poll Finds Backing for Drug Reimports" ) notes that 69 percent of respondents felt it should be legal for Americans to buy prescription drugs from Canada, Europe, and other industrialized countries. But such a move would loosen the regulation of our drug supply and likely would lead to even more of the types of illicit and counterfeit drug trafficking uncovered by the Post in its "Pharmaceutical Roulette" series. Legalizing importation in the absence of sufficient regulation is an exceedingly risky roulette game.
American pharmacists have long sounded an alarm about the dangers of illegal traffic in pharmaceuticals. As the last line of institutional defense against counterfeit products reaching consumers, we take that responsibility very seriously. Pharmacists must be vigilant in choosing their source of supply, protecting their medications from diversion, and educating consumers. Just this past weekend, APhA convened a meeting of leaders to discuss and propose recommendations on the role of the pharmacist in protecting the integrity of our medication supply.
APhA urges consumers to talk with their pharmacist if they have medication questions, and we hope the Post's investigative series will prompt the close attention that is warranted from patients, pharmacists, and policymakers.
We support strengthening the regulatory system to protect against traffickers in illicit and counterfeit drugs. Finally, we urge consumers to fight back by buying from reputable suppliers. Part of the consumer's best defense is to "Know your medicines; know your pharmacist" " the theme of this year's National Pharmacy Week.
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