Quebec-based pharmacy chain Familiprix Inc. is removing all energy drinks from its stores until regulators announce stricter access laws for the caffeinated beverages. The company operates 455 locations across Quebec and New Brunswick.
Health concerns prompt action
Familiprix said it is particularly sensitive to health concerns about the products, especially how they may interact with certain prescription medications. The decision follows a recommendation from L’Ordre des pharmaciens du Québec on Wednesday, urging all pharmacies to pull the products after a Radio-Canada investigation revealed the 2024 death of a 15-year-old boy was linked to energy drink consumption and ADHD medication.
Support from school organizations
Since the investigation, 21 Quebec-based school organizations have backed a petition to ban the sale of energy drinks to children under the age of 16. L’Ordre says a combination of psychostimulants and caffeinated energy drinks can cause severe cardiovascular side effects, even death. The agency reports that 23.9 per cent of adolescents and 15.8 per cent of children in Quebec between the ages of 12 and 17 are prescribed these medications.
Canadian Paediatric Association recommendations
The Canadian Paediatric Association does not recommend giving energy drinks to children or teens, as even one can have more than the maximum safe daily limit of caffeine. Typical side effects in children include headaches, vomiting, diarrhea, an elevated heartbeat, and high blood pressure.
Messaging at pharmacy counters
Familiprix-affiliated stores will also display messaging at pharmacy counters warning of the side effects when combining prescription medications and energy drinks.
