- As a result of viral internet challenges such as that of Clonazepam, it was proposed to create the National Registry of Drug Sales.
- In parallel, it also seeks to implement the National Platform for the Issuance and Control of Medical Prescriptions.
- If they are approved now, doctors would have the obligation to upload the prescription in which they prescribe controlled medications, with pre-established requirements such as name, ID, address and consecutive number of the prescription, which in the end implies more administrative work.
Senator Guadalupe Covarrubias Cervantes proposed creating the National Registry of Drug Sale. According to the project, the objective is to monitor the purchases of controlled drugs made by a public or private health institution, as well as pharmacies, the sale of these drugs and the inventory they have, in order to have full control of these products.
When presenting the project, which seeks to modify the General law of healththe legislator warned that access to controlled medicines by minors is becoming more frequent due to the lack of effective control in the issuance and assortment of these drugs.
He recalled that practices such as “viral challenges” have increased, which are disseminated on social networks, in which they encourage the consumption of medicines, which puts the integrity of infants and adolescents at risk. A recent case is that of “clonazepam challenge”.
Over the past few months, several cases generated by this dangerous trend have been reported. Broadly speaking, it consists of ingesting this medication in high doses by groups, mainly adolescents. According to this “competition”, whoever stays awake the longest wins.
The idea is absurd, but due to the rise of social networks like TikTok, there are several young people who have replicated the idea. As with any drug, its unnecessary consumption represents a health risk. Part of the concern is that cases of poisoning have already been reported.
Due to the above, Covarrubias Cervantes also suggested that the National Platform for the Issuance and Control of Medical Prescriptions. As planned, it would integrate demographic information from the issuance and follow-up of prescriptions for controlled medications.
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The initiative suggests that the prescriptions that are issued and in which controlled medications are prescribed, be registered in the Platform when they are issued and when they are filled.
Would the National Registry of Drug Sales imply more work for doctors?
The short answer is yes. Now doctors would have the obligation to upload the prescription in which they prescribe controlled medications, with pre-established requirements such as name, ID, address and consecutive number of the prescription.
While pharmacies would have the obligation to integrate the owner of the establishment on the digital site, name of the dependent who fills the prescription, address and quantity of the product supplied. This, said Senator Guadalupe Covarrubias, would be a first step towards electronic prescriptions.
Guadalupe Covarrubias called to endorse the commitment and concern for children and adolescents, “because their rights have no party, no color, and their integrity, safeguard and comprehensive development is the responsibility of all.”
The project was referred to the joint commissions of Health and Second Legislative Studies, for its analysis and corresponding opinion.
Also read:
Clonazepam challenge and the dangers of consuming controlled drugs
ISSSTE launches preventive program against the Clonazepam Challenge: This must be done by doctors
Cofepris publishes an alert for the Clonazepam Challenge: “It is so serious that it can cause a coma”