The California State Board of Pharmacy (BOP) is expected to block access to an entire class of alternative treatments including IV glutathione and methylcobalamin (a form of vitamin B12).

These are relied on by many people with persistent Lyme disease and other chronic illnesses, as well as firefighters exposed to toxic chemicals on the job.

At a meeting on July 31, the board heard from many people opposed to the change. Here’s what one of them had to say:

Good afternoon,

 my name is Sarah Kaitlyn Oleinik.

I first want to say that waiting over four and a half hours to speak has been exhausting for me and I would guess exhausting for the other individuals with chronic illness that left this call before having a chance to speak.

I am here to share my personal testimony regarding the proposed regulations by the California Board of Pharmacy that would limit access to Category 1 sterile compounds, including crucial treatments like glutathione and methylcobalamin, or B12 injections.

I have been using glutathione in combination with other treatments to manage my condition–late-stage neurological Lyme disease.

Before I started this treatment, I suffered from skin lesions, and most days the inability to walk, talk, and think clearly. Since beginning the treatment, I have experienced significant improvements, such as clear skin, the ability to return to college and finish my degree, the ability to walk, talk, and think clearly.

I have been using B12 injections to manage my condition, chronic fatigue syndrome. Before I started this treatment, I suffered from severe lethargy and the need for 12-15 hours of sleep a night plus naps. Since beginning the treatment, I have experienced significant improvements, such as more energy to finish school and complete daily errands.

Life-changing medications

These compounded medications have been life-changing for me. They have allowed me to regain my quality of life and perform daily activities that were previously impossible. Without access to these treatments, I would face a possible relapse of these debilitating illnesses.

I am attending grad school in the fall for Forensic Psychology and will continue to rely on these treatments to keep me energized and thinking clearly to be able to finish advanced course work at a normal pace.

The proposed regulations threaten to take away these essential medications, not just for me, but for countless others who rely on them.

This decision would not only reverse the progress I have made but also jeopardize the health and well-being of many vulnerable individuals.

 I urge the Board to reconsider these harmful regulations.

Please do not take away the treatments that have given me and many others a second chance at a better life. Your decision will have real and significant impacts on people like me who depend on these medications.

 Thank you for your attention and consideration.

The Board of Pharmacy is expected to vote on this matter on September 12. A grassroots organization called #STOPTHEBOP seeks to avert that action. Click here to sign their Change.org petition.