From Mr P. I. Jones, MRPharmS
SIR,-I am taking part in a course on eating disorders and consequently have been reminded of the role pharmacists have to play in preventing laxative misuse both in the general population and especially in younger people, who may have anorexia, bulimia or binge-eating disorder. One particular statement in a document called "Prevent laxative abuse now (PLAN)", written for the Eating Disorders Association (EDA) struck an unpleasant chord for pharmacists in that, in a 1992 survey, it was found that 67 per cent of laxative misusers bought their supplies from pharmacies and it added that in many pharmacies, laxatives were not being sold personally by the pharmacist.
This is a difficult area for pharmacists, as an inappropriate word will probably only drive a misuser to another outlet; anecdotally, I have heard that asking laxative purchasers to sign a register has had this effect. It is also acknowledged that many laxative misusers are manipulative and will visit all the outlets in their vicinity in order to obtain their supplies.
The EDA, despite all its efforts in education, believes that there are still many laxative misusers. Furthermore, the EDA only has contact with people who have acknowledged their eating difficulties. Pharmacists are in an excellent position to advise customers on an appropriate diet and to educate the public on the dangers of excessive and prolonged use of laxatives.
Paul Jones
Moulton, Northamptonshire