Dear Editor
Tussin is an expectorant, in syrup form, whose active ingredient, guaifenesin, thins the phlegm in bronchial tubes, sinuses, and nasal passages thus making you cough and nasal discharge more productive. It does so without using ephedrine, dextromethorphan, alcohol, or sugar. Yet, you can’t find it at any pharmacy in Perryville. It used to be on the shelves here but hasn’t been for some time. You can find Equate Tussin DM, Robitussin DM, Wal-Tussin DM. You may find other brands, but they all have the dextromethorphan which many of us don’t need and some of us can’t take because of adverse interaction with prescription drugs we are currently taking. You are forced to get the guaifenesin syrup, by any name, online. You can find guaifenesin in tablet form as the active ingredient in some over-the-counter products, but they don’t take effect as quickly as the syrup taken with a warm liquid.
I asked the pharmacist at Wal-Mart, a long time ago, why they didn’t carry Tussin anymore. He reached down from behind the counter, then picked up, and showed me a large opaque bottle upon which I could not readily see a label. I did not understand, but I didn’t ask any more questions. I thought I had already taken up enough of his time.
Before I decided to write this letter I wanted to make sure I had my facts straight. I called Wal-Mart Pharmacy, told of what I thought I had seen when I asked about Tussin. The man I spoke to, on the phone said that, indeed, they keep some back there for when doctors prescribe it for their patients because they want something without sugar and alcohol. Now isn’t that something? Doctors have to prescribe what used to be on the shelf. And what they are prescribing is safer that what is on the shelf. I suppose the mark-up (the profit margin) is higher on the other stuff. I’m not singling out the last mentioned pharmacy. All of the pharmacies in Perryville are alike in the non-availability of the old reliable Tussin.
Here’s another problem I have with this situation. If my doctor would prescribe Tussin for me, my insurance requires a 90-day supply. That’s impossible to do on an “as-needed” prescription. They would have to shoot for maximum dosages (6) that could be taken in a day (6) times (x) 90. A Dose is 2 to 4 teaspoons. I have figured using 2 teaspoons because that is what I take.
2 teaspoons = 1/3 oz.
Six 2-teaspoons dose = 1.998 oz. (2 oz.)
