Does This Happen In Your Town Too?
By lisa101
@lisa101 (1362)
United States
February 8, 2007 11:44am CST
Here in my town in north Georgia they have been doing this thing where if you want to purchase some certain over the counter meds. like advil cold and sinus you have to show your ID (drivers license) before you can buy them. They also have them locked up behind the counter and only a few of the major stores still carry these products. Its my understanding that the reason for this is because people buy them to use for creating drugs such as meth. Anyhow i don't think its right for people who don't make drugs to have to be apart of this record they are keeping to nail the drug dealers. I think its embarassing to even buy these products now because i feel people are wandering what im going to do with them. I just wanted to know if this happens everywheres or is my town just a drug abusing place?
11 people like this
21 responses
@ElusiveButterfly (45939)
• United States
8 Feb 07
This happens in the New England states as well. To make this work they need to track every purchase. This enables them to stop people who go from store to store to purchase these products. All the store needs to do is punch in the person's name, check their ID and it tells when they purchased it, where and how much. I think it is a wonderful idea.
@ElusiveButterfly (45939)
• United States
8 Feb 07
Go to a store where the people know you. I always joke with the person who is waiting on me. It is as stressful for them to have to constantly record this information and time consuming as well.
@lisa101 (1362)
• United States
8 Feb 07
Yeah thats what i usually do but i dont go very often i just keep the advil cold and sinus for my migraines because it is the only thing that helps. Since i dont go for them often they really dont know me but next time i will carry on a conversation and maybe next time they will remember me and i wont have to go through that. Thanks
2 people like this
@Sageoak (36)
• United States
8 Feb 07
I have run into the same thing in N.Y. I understand the reason but I also feel that it is a terrible intrusion for the average buyer. I work in the pharmceutical industry and it has effected sales simply because folks do not want to go through the rigamaroll and use something else. It only effects some cold medicines but it is still a hassle.
2 people like this
@dixie1 (1330)
• United States
8 Feb 07
Hi,
No, I have never experienced that here in MIchigan.
Seems odd that they ask to see your Drivers License.
Did they check you license with a computer or list of names?
Best Wishes
@mbarryton (1872)
• United States
8 Feb 07
its a law also here in north carolina and i think its far to considering all the things iv heard people doing with these over the counter meds. doesn't bother me either i mean i really dont need to buy more then one of something at a time anyways
2 people like this
@krystal85 (71)
• United States
9 Feb 07
Yeah it happens here too. This is the second of third year for it now. At first they were just asking for birthdays and names.
1 person likes this
@Thoroughrob (11742)
• United States
9 Feb 07
Yes, it goes on here. You have to sign for them and can only have one box a day. Hopefully you don't need to medicate your whole family with different types, because you can't get them.
1 person likes this
@Trace86 (5030)
• United States
8 Feb 07
Yes. Here in IL it is the same. There are certain medications that they card you before they let you have even though they are over the counter. I was under the impression that you just have to show your ID. Do they write it down somewhere to see how often you buy the products?
I have found myself buying alternate products that are still on the shelf instead.
1 person likes this
@sizzle3000 (3036)
• United States
9 Feb 07
I am in Maryland and we have to show id and fill out our name and address on a form. The store is supposed to keep that form in the store and report any one who is buying too much. I don't know how they can say it is too much because some of these medications are for allergies. Big brotheris always watching and there is nothing we can do about it. You may want to check the labels on the medications still left in the medicine island. They say that they had to change a few ingredience to stay on the shelf. This means the medication may not be as potent and might not work as well.
1 person likes this
@stateroad (730)
• United States
9 Feb 07
I had to show my license for cold medication. I also went to the store for my neighbor she needed a laxative and I had to show it then also. The medicine that I had to show the license for was also locked up.
1 person likes this
@lisa101 (1362)
• United States
8 Feb 07
Well thats an interesting excuse for it. But do you think that is a good enough reason. Isnt it our choice if we want to mix our meds why should they get to stop us. Dont get me wrong it is a good idea for people that dont know any better but still i dont know.
@Michele21 (3093)
• United States
9 Feb 07
Here in Texas it is all over the news but I have never been to a store that has it locked up, it is still on the shelves. I would be embarassed to buy it if I has to ask for it like that.
1 person likes this
@mikeyr6000le (2123)
• United States
8 Feb 07
Yup it is like that here in Iowa too. The silly part is if someone really wanted a lot of the stuff all they have to do is hop the boarder and buy as much as they want and come back home. I don't see the reason for it because if they do catch someone making the crap, all it really proves is they were buying alot of the stuff. It won't stop them. If I have to buy the stuff I don't care if I have to show my liscnece and sign something. I just do it because I know the stuff will make me feel better.
1 person likes this
@chippy49 (171)
• United States
8 Feb 07
Yes, that has happened in my town also. They have also taken some of the childrens meds off the shelf also for the same reason. I am like you, I feel now that I have to show my id, what are they thinking, etc. But I am a person too where I do not want to be bothered with something like this. I want to go into the store, get my childs meds or mine and leave. Now I have to stand in another line with my baby screaming to have a the pharmacy ring me up and then go into another line and have them ring up my other products. I am getting tired of society that the good people have to be punished for what some stupid kids are doing.
1 person likes this
@lisa101 (1362)
• United States
8 Feb 07
Thanks for that response. I have never had to stand in two diffrent lines but if i did i would be upset big time. I think they should just let us pay for it and not worry about what we are doing with it. Its none of their buisness anyhow if we are over 18.
@dancinthrulife (75)
• United States
9 Feb 07
This is a federal law, so if they aren't doing it in your town, they should be! It is because of the decongestant ingredient which is one of the ingredients in methamphetimines. It may be a tiny bit inconvenient, but it can save lives. Many medications (like Nyquil) have changed their formula. I would much rather walk up to the counter and ask for it than buy something less effective. I don't find it embarrassing at all to have a cold and get medication, any more than I find it embarrassing to have a prescription filled.
