Lichfield’s MP has questioned the Government on plans to make drugs which can reduce fever more readily available in the wake of the swine flu pandemic.
Michael Fabricant had asked the Secretary of State for Health whether restrictions on the quantity of anti-pyretics – which can reduce body temperature when someone has a fever – allowed to be purchased over the counter may be lifted.
Mr Fabricant asked:
“Will the Secretary of State for Health bring forward proposals to enable people to purchase anti-pyretics in greater quantities over the counter for preparation in the event of them contracting swine influenza?”
But according to Hansard, a written response from Gillian Merron (Minister of State (Public Health), Department of Health), confirmed that the Government is not planning to change the policy on the purchase of such medicines.
She explained:
“There are no current plans to do this. Antipyretics such as paracetamol and aspirin are available in packs of 16 tablets or capsules from general sale outlets such as supermarkets and up to two packs can be purchased at any one time. Larger packs of 32 tablets or capsules are designated as pharmacy medicines and are sold by or under the supervision of a pharmacist.
“Pharmacists have the professional discretion to sell up to 100 tablets or capsules without a prescription if they consider this is in the best interests of the patient. The need for professional advice and supervision when supplying these medicines does not reduce during a pandemic.”
I had two children with swine flu.One was given tameflu one not because her tempertion was 38.7and not 39.DR receptionist playing at being DR.so one child feeling better the other being very ill.If one has swine flu they should get help.WHY NO ALCHOL HAND CLEANER AT SCHOOLS.
I had two children with swine flu.One was given tameflu one not because her tempertion was 38.7and not 39.DR receptionist playing at being DR.so one child feeling better the other being very ill.If one has swine flu they should get help.WHY NO ALCHOL HAND CLEANER AT SCHOOLS.KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK.
[…] he also admitted he was disappointed by a Parliamentary written response he received from Gillian Merron, the Minister for Public Health, over the […]
As a pharmacist the regulations we are forced to work under are very frustrating. It causes concern to patients, limits the treatment we can prescribe to only 4 days and makes no sense. Patients are known to shop at a number of outlets including supermarkets, petrol stations and pharmacies to obtain any quantitiy of Paracetamol they wish to have.