§ Mr. Carter-Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if the Committee on Safety of Medicines has at any time taken into account or made decisions regarding the adverse effects of drugs based on anecdotal cases; and if he will make a statement.
§ Dr. VaughanThe Committee on Safety of Medicines does take into account adverse reactions reported by doctors mainly on "yellow cards" when considering the adverse effects of drugs. It does not accept reports from other persons or organisations, unless these are verified by the patient's doctor, since professional judgment is essential in assessing whether the patient's condition is likely to have been caused by a drug.