Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 29, 2026

Subconjunctival Administration of Adeno-associated Virus Vectors in Small Animal Models
Published on: March 16, 2022
Tackling barriers to over-the-counter syringe access in community pharmacies
Suhanee Mitragotri1, David T Zhu2
1Harvard College, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, United States.
Abstract:
A recent study in Harm Reduction Journal, "Pharmacy-related syringe access barriers: an audit of Oregon community pharmacies", reveals significant gaps in over-the-counter (OTC) syringe availability across community pharmacies in Oregon. These findings have urgent public health implications: without consistent pharmacy access, people who inject drugs (PWID) face increased risk of HIV, hepatitis C, and other injection-related harms. We examine possible factors that may be contributing to these gaps, including pharmacist stigma, administrative challenges, gaps in awareness surrounding state laws and community resources, and restrictive organizational policies. Addressing these gaps requires a multipronged approach: targeted pharmacist education on OTC syringe regulations, stigma-reduction training, streamlined workflow and administrative processes, and organization-level commitment to harm reduction. Oregon's experience illustrates a broader national issue: without aligning policy with provider engagement, many critical harm reduction tools will remain inaccessible to marginalized populations.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Prescription, Nonprescription and Orphan Drugs
The misuse and addiction to prescription drugs is a growing problem that can affect people of all age groups, specifically teenagers. This can happen when prescription medications are used in ways not intended by the prescriber, such as taking someone else's prescription or using medication for...
Drug Delivery: Miscellaneous Routes
Oral inhalation and nasal sprays swiftly transfer drugs across the respiratory epithelium's mucosal layer. Inhaled glucocorticoids and bronchodilators directly target lung conditions such as asthma, while fluticasone nasal spray mitigates allergic rhinitis.
Transdermal patches transport drugs...
Drug Delivery: Parenteral Route
There are three primary parenteral routes: intravenous (IV), intramuscular (IM), and subcutaneous (SC). The IV route introduces the drug directly into the bloodstream, ensuring immediate action. The IM route...
Parenteral Drug Delivery Systems: Injectables, Implants, and Infusion Devices
Routes of Drug Administration: Parenteral
The intravenous route (IV) of drug administration can be further categorized into two types. The bolus injection administers the entire dose rapidly, while an intravenous infusion slowly delivers smaller doses steadily.
The IV route is often...
Routes of Drug Administration: Overview
Enteral administration refers to drugs absorbed through the gastrointestinal tract. They can be swallowed (perorally), placed under the tongue (sublingually), or on the inner lining of the cheeks (buccally). Perorally administered drugs take time to be absorbed and have a slower onset of action. The rectal route is another form of enteral administration, which allows for...

