Nakusp residents have drained the local health care store’s supply of a “Potassium & Iodine” pill out of fear of radiation from Japan reaching here, but B.C.’s Health Officer and Nakusp pharmacists are warning against taking those drugs at all. And especially if the pill isn’t recommended by the government.
Re-Awakening Health Care in Nakusp had their stock of Swiss Natural’s “Potassium & Iodine” tablets depleted fast, and they’re currently backlogged with orders for more.
One of the clerks at the store, who didn’t want her name used, said she only works at the shop for a couple hours a day. But in those short hours she’s taken plenty of orders for more.
“One lady just called the other day and ordered a whole bunch of ‘Potassium [&] Iodine,'” she said. “We’ve had a bunch of orders like that.”
However, the People’s Pharmacy in Nakusp reported no increase in sales since the 9.0 magnitude earthquake hit Japan on Friday, March 11.
Troy Clark, pharmacist and owner of the People’s Pharmacy said no one should be taking those pills anyway.
“People are misinformed,” Clark said. “My opinion is they shouldn’t even be selling them, and people shouldn’t be taking them. There’s no risk here in B.C.”
Radiation fears stem from explosions and reports of leaking radiation from the Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear plant in northeast Japan.
According to Nakusp pharmacist Rob Smallwood tablets such as the “Potassium & Iodine” pill can block radiation reaching into the thyroid by drenching it with non-radiated iodine before the irradiated ones are absorbed, which can cause cancer.
However, Smallwood worries about the actual make-up of the “Potassium & Iodine” tablet compared to the provincial government recommended “potassium iodide” pill.
“There’s a reason ‘potassium iodide’ is marketed,” he said. “There’s a specific dose that’s known and used in emergencies. People are given ‘potassium iodide’ before radiation treatments.”
The difference in the name “iodine” and “iodide” comes from the charge of the atom. If it’s “iodide” it has a negative charge.
Smallwood said chemically the “potassium iodide” pill is almost the same as the “Potassium & Iodine” tablet, which both have the same amount of iodine inside (0.15 milligrams). However, Smallwood believes the charged “iodide” version works much better.
Clark and Smallwood both said the potassium plays no part in the protection of the thyroid.
B.C.’s Health Officer Dr. Perry Kendall told the Arrow Lakes News he also hopes no one is taking any pills.
“When you’re not exposed to radiation, there is no point in taking the pill,” he said.
Dr. Kendall went on to say the pill is unsafe for people over the age of 40 unless there’s a high dose of radiation in the vicinity. He also warned of other conditions for people taking the supplements.
“Certainly if you’re pregnant it’s not good to take it for more than 24 hours,” Dr. Kendall said. “You can end up with a baby with a hyperthyroid.”
He also warned of people who are already on other medications which could have potassium inside of it, and to take anymore can also cause damage.
“There is no reason anyone should be taking it at the moment,” he reiterated. “I think if people are worried about what’s happening in Japan, a much more sensible and positive response is to make sure they have sort of emergency preparedness. Have food and water for at least 72 hours, a safe place and a plan to meet up with family and connect with them.”
Dr. Kendall went on to say pharmacies should not dispense or stockpile those pills. The pharmacists agreed.
“We should be saving these things for people who actually need them,” Smallwood said.
