How to report medicine shipped improperly in extreme heat

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KCTV) - While it’s hot outside, it gets even hotter in mail trucks and mailboxes. This extreme heat can have devastating effects on prescription medicine if left outside.

Missouri has a rule against mailing prescription medicine without protection from heat. A Missouri Board of Pharmacy rule requires pharmacies to take precautions to protect medicine in extreme heat or cold, and they must notify patients of the risks of shipping medicine in these conditions.

If you’re concerned your medicine has been compromised due to the heat, you can report it on the Missouri Board of Pharmacy website.

Loretta Boesing just wanted something quick and convenient when she ordered her son’s medicine to be delivered by mail. She had no idea it would become a life-threatening decision.

In 2012, Boesing experienced the scariest day of her life. Her two-year-old son recently had a liver transplant and was now on medications to help his body accept the new organ. Only, something was wrong with the medicine they received in the mail.

That summer day reached 102 degrees, and her son’s medicine was left in the mailbox in only a bag. The medicine was no longer effective, and her son’s body started to reject the liver.

Her son was fine once he received new medicine, but that’s when Boesing started fighting for change. She formed the group United for Safe Medications.

“I never want another mother having to sit there beside their child in a hospital room wondering if they’re there because the medication arrived, not working and effective,” Boesing said.

At Flow’s Pharmacy in Columbia, Mary LePique works with patients to get them their medications safely. She said clear and specific communication is the best way for pharmacists to ensure the new rule is followed.

“Reaching out to the patient before actually shipping the medication, just making sure they’re aware of the risks of shipping the prescription,” LePique said.