§ Mr. FlynnTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what is his Department's policy in respect of driving under the influence of medicinal drugs; and if he will make a statement; [14518]
723W(2) if he will list the medicinal drugs on sale in the United Kingdom which his Department assesses to affect drivers' reactions when taken in normal doses; and if he will make a statement. [14585]
§ Mr. MaloneWhere there is evidence that a medicine can affect driving ability, this information is included in the summary of product characteristics for the doctor, and suitable warnings are provided on the label or in the leaflet for the patient as appropriate. The "British National Formulary" carries prescribing information for doctors, including information on side-effects that can impair driving ability, and advises pharmacists to attach a cautionary label when dispensing medicines that can cause drowsiness. The Medicines Control Agency reminded doctors and pharmacists of the possible effects of medicines on driving in its bulletin, "Current Problems in Pharmacovigilance" in November 1995, copies of which are available in the Library. This identifies groups of medicines which may impair driving ability.