California’s Board of Pharmacy (BOP) is considering regulation changes that would restrict access to certain alternative treatments that many Lyme patients rely on. Two items on the chopping block are IV glutathione and vitamin B12 shots. Crystal Frost, a Lyme patient who started the STOP THE BOP movement, provides this update.

Thank you to everyone in the Lyme community who gave comments at the November 7 California State Board of Pharmacy (BOP) meeting.

Your voices were powerful, yet the Board has shockingly chosen to disregard the unanimous public opposition and move forward with proposed restrictions on essential sterile compounds like glutathione, methyl B12, and NAD+.

For those just learning about this for the first time, the BOP has proposed new regulations that threaten to block access entirely or drive up costs so steeply that many patients will be priced out of the Category 1 treatments they rely on.

But the fight isn’t over!

Written public comments are being accepted until December 9

Despite pushing the regulations forward, the Board has now opened a 30-day public comment period. This is a crucial opportunity for each of us to speak up in defense of Category 1 sterile compounds that are under fire.

Submitting written comments is a powerful and accessible way for the chronic illness community to show that these therapies are not just treatments—they’re lifelines.

Note: The BOP is required by law to consider any public comment received between now and 12/09 as long as it directly pertains to this issue.

Let’s flood the Board with stories, data, and demands for accessible care. Please join us in taking action by submitting your written comments by December 9. Together, we can protect the future of alternative treatments in California.

How to let your voice be heard

1. Email written public comments to Lori Martinez at: PharmacyRulemaking@dca.ca.gov by 12/09.
2. Specifically refer to which proposed regulations you’re commenting on: Title 16 CCR Sections 1735-1738
3. Explain in your own words why you are opposed to the proposed regulations which would severely limit access to widely used Category 1 sterile compounds like glutathione and methyl B12, available in the rest of the USA. (Also at risk: sterile forms of ALA, curcumin, vitamin B6, vasoactive peptide.)

You are not required to cite specific regulatory text throughout your comment. Be yourself and share your knowledge, testimony, and/or experiences!

Let Stop The BOP support you in this process!

1. Visit stopthebop.com/actnow for downloads to support you! Here you’ll find the proposed regulations, written comment examples, prompts, and more.
2. Submit your comment by December 9 – this is very important! The BOP is not required to consider or publish your comment if received after this date.
3. Prepare your public comment! We’re here if you have ANY questions: info@stopthebop.com

Let’s make this comment document 1000 pages long!

Although the Board’s Executive staff has some influence over the Members’ decision making, the Board Members will receive copies of ALL our written comments. Let’s make them stand out!

Your written comment will be public domain, and all comments will be published together in a joint document. Can you imagine how powerful it will be if we make this document 1,000+ pages? Let’s go!

More information to come! Stop the BOP is currently working on the following

• Debunking a number of false statements made by the Board of Pharmacy at the November 7 board meeting, all of which we will be sharing publicly soon.
• A list of new actions we can all take if the BOP continues to ignore broad and united public disapproval of their actions.
• An open letter to the Board Members who suddenly – and without explanation – lost interest in protecting patient access.

Remember to sign and share the petition and follow us on Instagram.

👉 Health Practitioners: Please take this opportunity to share your research and knowledge with the Board in writing. Please include any data or graphics that will help Members understand the safety and efficacy of Category 1s like glutathione and methylcobalamin.

👉 Patients and Advocates: Please share your testimony in writing! Why are these compounds important for YOU and your community?

Together, we can #StopTheBOP.

More blogs on this topic:

Fighting to save our lifeline of glutathione, B12, and more