Opinion: I head the Quebec order of pharmacists. Here’s where we stand on energy drinks

In recent weeks, Quebecers have been moved by the call to action from Zachary Miron’s parents, who are demanding stricter regulation of energy drinks.

At the Ordre des pharmaciens du Québec, we took their call to heart, which is why we have recommended that pharmacy owners, as well as chains and franchises, remove these beverages from pharmacy-affiliated stores.

The Familiprix chain has decided to implement this recommendation. Many pharmacists have decided on their own to do the same, and we commend them. According to an internal survey in which 174 pharmacists participated, more than 80 per cent agree with this recommendation.

In Quebec, 23.9 per cent of teenage boys and 15.8 per cent of teenage girls aged 12 to 17 were prescribed a psychostimulant in 2024. Selling energy drinks— which may interact with these medications — in locations adjacent to where these young people go to pick up their prescriptions is a contradiction we cannot ignore.

While our appeal has received many positive responses, some groups have asked why we aren’t taking further action, such as recommending the removal of sugary or salty snacks from stores adjacent to pharmacies.

The day-to-day reality of running a pharmacy is more complex than it seems. In Quebec, a pharmacy is owned by a pharmacist who, in most cases, also operates the adjacent retail business. The order des pharmacists, however, has no control over these spaces. Nevertheless, in 2018, we took a clear stance on the issue, encouraging pharmacists and their business partners to reflect on this aspect as well, given their role in promoting healthy eating.

Zachary Miron died in January 2024 after consuming an energy drink whose ingredients interacted with medication prescribed for his ADHD. Courtesy of the Miron-Martinez family / Collège de Montréal

Despite the challenges facing the pharmacy business environment, pharmacists have come to play an increasingly important role in public health. Their scope of practice is very broad and will be among the most advanced in the world once their new professional activities take effect. Pharmacists play a central role in ensuring the proper use of medications: evaluating treatments, identifying drug interactions, adjusting therapies and informing and advising patients in plain language.

Reducing exposure to products that may interact with certain medications is part of this preventive approach. We are ready to work with the government to ensure that concrete measures are implemented to better regulate the sale and distribution of energy drinks, and we reiterate our call to pharmacist-owners and their business partners to remove these products from their shelves. It is a responsible step to enhance protection for young people.

Jean-François Desgagné is president of the Ordre des pharmaciens du Québec.

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