Ipecac: Pulled from Shelves in Washington?
Bulimia nervosa is an eating disorder that is recognizable by its cycle of binging and purging. The individual typically consumes large numbers of calories in a relatively short period of time.
Later, feeling regret for food choices made, the individual will purge calories. Purging is usually done by self-induced vomiting or by the use of laxatives.
An article posted on Seattle PI discussed the possible removal of ipecac from store shelves in the state of New York. State legislators must decide whether the substance should be placed behind the pharmacy counter in order to prevent those with eating disorders from stocking up on it.
The legislation is being pushed through to Governor Cuomo by Debbie Begeny, of the Buffalo suburb of Kenmore. Begeny’s daughter died of cardiac arrest related to her anorexia nervosa after using ipecac for many weeks. Many with eating disorders use the substance to purge unwanted calories from their bodies.
Traditionally, ipecac has been used in the household as part of standard first-aid kits. When a child ingested a toxic chemical, parents were advised to use ipecac to induce vomiting. However, pediatricians now rarely advise the use of ipecac for this purpose. The legislation would place the substance behind the counter and require the documentation of the consumer using ipecac to prevent any individual from stocking up at home.
