§ Mr. FlynnTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what research his Department has evaluated into the risk of idiopathic venous thromboembolism in users of conventional antipsychotic drugs; [134266]
(2) what guidance his Department issues to psychiatrists concerning the risk of idiopathic venous thromboembolism in users of conventional antipsychotic drugs. [134267]
596W
§ Ms StuartThe Medicines Control Agency (MCA) is currently evaluating an epidemiological study published in the Lancet1 on the 7 October 2000, which suggests an increased risk of first time idiopathic venous thromboembolism in current users of anti-psychotics compared to non-users.
As well as the published medical literature, the MCA uses a number of sources of information to assess risk, including the UK spontaneous reporting scheme (the Yellow Card Scheme). Independent expert advice will be sought from the Committee on Safety of Medicines, who will be asked to advise on any guidance for health professionals including psychiatrists.
1Antipsychotic drug use and risk of first-time idiopathic venous thromboembolism: a case control study. Zornberg GL Jick H. Lancet 2000; 356:1219–23.