§ Mr. Lyellasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will introduce legislation to require that creams and other preparations containing steroids for use in the treatment of eczema are clearly labelled as containing steroids and should carry instructions for use and guidance as to possible side-effects.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeWe do not think such action is necessary. Existing regulations under the Medicines Act provide that dispensed medicinal products must be labelled with directions and precautions as requested by the prescriber. Comprehensive advice for prescribers about the application of external steroid preparations is already contained in the appropriate product data sheets that are supplied to all doctors and in prescribing aids such as the British National Formulary. In addition the Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain recommends that pharmacists, in the absence of instructions from the prescriber, label external steroid preparations with the words "To be applied sparingly".