As a mom of a special kiddo I know how important it is to get the medicine in to prevent an emergency issue because the child refuses it or spits it out and does not get the full dose. I like the offer of all these fun flavors that may not have taken away the ickkk but sure made it more tolerable. If this becomes something parents have to struggle to get they will have to resort to giving what they can and how they can. I realize California is one of few states that still offer this blessing and want to give other parents the peace of mind knowing this can be done with ease.
This information is sponsored by Jordan’s Guardian Angels, a non-profit organization working with families with special needs children who are challenged with the need to administer a variety of life-saving medication to their children who face many physical and intellectual disabilities.
If you’ve ever tried to give a young child medicine, you’ll know that it can be like giving a cat a bath. Anything that helps the medication go down and be more agreeable for your kid is a win. One simple solution is to make medicine more palatable to children by adding child-friendly flavoring. However, the California Board of Pharmacy is now considering limitations on this straightforward remedy.
WHAT DOES USING A COMPOUNDING PHARMACY MEAN?
It means that if you want to add a flavor to your child’s medication, you can no longer use your local retail pharmacy. You will need to use a compounding pharmacy. While I use and appreciate compounding pharmacies for some medications for my kids, they are far away from my home and I receive the medication by mail. I can’t imagine waiting that long for medication I need for my child if it’s more urgent.
WHAT WILL CA ASSEMBLY BILL 782 DO?
Assemblywoman Tina McKinnor (D-Inglewood), Jacqui Irwin (D-Thousand Oaks), and Assemblyman Tom Lackey (R-Palmdale), both Democratic and Republican members, have introduced Assembly Bill 782 to continue allowing community pharmacies to flavor medicine for our toddlers and children. If this issue affects you, here are a few articles on this issue, a link to the legislation, and a compound pharmacy finder to see the distance you would have to travel. Please share with other parents in your network.
Flavoring Medicine Is Vital For Kids.
California May Soon Make It HarderChildren Have A Right To Medicine That Goes Down Easily
Parents Plead For Their Children’s Flavored Medicine Not To Be TakenAway
Legislation Language:
(b) Notwithstanding subdivision (a), “compounding” does not includereconstitution of a drug pursuant to a manufacturer’s directions, the sole act of tablet splitting or crushing, capsule opening, or the addition of a flavoring agent to enhance palatability.
I totally agree with flavoring of medicine for kids. As a special needs mom as well I know the fight it is to administer meds to my kiddo !!
ReplyDeleteI can't imagine why over complicate a simple solution. We have cancer patients that need such flavors to be able to hold down the much needed medication. Of all the matters our state needs addressing, this is not even an issue that should have been touched. I hope this fails and flavors remain a choice within all pharmacies.
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