Amidst fears that radiation from Japan will make its way to B.C., Victoria pharmacies have been inundated with requests for an over-the-counter radiation-protection medication.
A number of Victoria residents are in hot pursuit of potassium iodide tablets. The drug protects the thyroid gland from exposure to radioactive particles, but wonB次元官网网址檛 protect the rest of the body, according to Health Canada.
Pharmacist Jonathan Cox rarely gets requests for the pills at AaronsonB次元官网网址檚 Pharmacy, which carries the medicine. That changed last week when he was flooded with demands for the drug.
B次元官网网址淚t almost seems a bit hysterical,B次元官网网址� hesaid. B次元官网网址淚t ranges from mild concern to immediate panic that B.C. and half of Alberta will be wiped out of all natural vegetation.B次元官网网址�
Although potassium iodide is not a prescription drug, Cox is assessing each request on an individual basis before selling it. A few customers want to send it to friends and family in Japan.
B次元官网网址淚B次元官网网址檓 not sure the general public knows that it only protects the thyroid gland (from radiation),B次元官网网址� Cox explained, adding that potassium iodide can result in severe allergic reactions and even sicken the thyroid.
B.C.B次元官网网址檚 Ministry of Health is urging pharmacies not to unduly sell or stockpile potassium iodide, which Health Canada says is already creating shortages, potentially impacting people who legitimately need the medication.
B次元官网网址淏ased on present information, we do not expect any health risk following the nuclear reactor releases in Japan, nor is the consumption of potassium iodide tablets a necessary precaution,B次元官网网址� B.C. provincial health officer, Dr. Perry Kendall said.
B次元官网网址淓ven if radiation from Japan ever made it to British Columbia, our prediction based on current information, is that it would not pose any significant health risk.B次元官网网址�
Despite assurances from health officials that Canadians are not at risk, B次元官网网址渁 lot of people are very worried,B次元官网网址� said Shoppers Drug Mart pharmacy technician Kelsey Heath.
The Douglas Street store doesnB次元官网网址檛 sell the drug, but recently began providing potassium iodide information leaflets for customers to save time.
B次元官网网址淲e get at least 100 (inquiries) every day,B次元官网网址� Heath said of the medication she says costs about $80 for 100 tablets. B次元官网网址淚t was so bad we started a daily tally.
B次元官网网址淓ven if we say we donB次元官网网址檛 have any, they get really mad (and say) B次元官网网址極h, the government is conspiring against us.B次元官网网址橞次元官网网址�
emccracken@vicnews.com
