Pfizer blocks drugs from use in lethal injections

The company enforced a distribution restriction for particular products that have been part of, or considered by various states for their lethal injection protocols.

The products include pancuronium bromide, potassium chloride, propofol, midazolam, hydromorphone, rocuronium bromide and vecuronium bromide.

Pfizer said it makes its products to improve and save the lives of the patients its serves.

The company added that it strongly objects to the use of its products as lethal injections for capital punishment.

It restricts a select group of wholesalers, distributors, and direct purchasers from reselling the products to correctional institutions for use in lethal injections.

Government purchasing entities must make sure that products they purchase or otherwise acquire are used only for medically prescribed patient care and not for any penal purposes.

They should also ensure that the product is for own use and will not resell or otherwise provide the restricted products to any other party.

Human rights groups are undertaking campaigns against the use of medicines for capital punishment.

The newly disclosed California corrections documents revealed questionable practices, huge price tag for execution drugs.

The American Civil Liberties Union of Northern California obtained the documents following a six-month legal battle.