The Ordre des pharmaciens du Québec (OPQ) recommended on Wednesday that energy drinks be removed from pharmacies.
“The combination of psychostimulants and caffeinated energy drinks poses cardiovascular risks that can lead to serious, even fatal, consequences,” the organization stated in a press release.
“Given that 23.9 per cent of adolescents (…) have been prescribed these medications, this risk is particularly concerning.
“Selling these drinks in locations adjacent to where these young people come to pick up their medication represents an inconsistency that we cannot ignore,” it continued.
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Familiprix pharmacies responded quickly to the call: on Wednesday morning, they announced “the complete removal of energy drinks from all pharmacies affiliated with its network.”
This decision comes “in particular following representations made by the (OPQ),” they specified.
“Pharmacist-owners affiliated with Familiprix are very mindful of the potential risks associated with the consumption of energy drinks,” said Albert Falardeau, president, Familiprix.
“The submission of a petition to the National Assembly, backed by more than 35,000 signatories, shows that this issue is of concern to Quebecers and is also a matter of concern for the pharmaceutical community,” he added.
In addition, stores affiliated with Familiprix will soon post a message at pharmacy consultation counters to encourage patients to report any consumption of energy drinks to their pharmacist.
“This initiative aims to raise public awareness of the potential risks associated with consuming these products while taking certain medications,” they explained.
On Wednesday, l’Association des bannières et des chaînes de pharmacies du Québec also asked the Quebec government to explore the idea of imposing age restrictions on access to energy drinks.
–This report by La Presse Canadienne was translated by CityNews
