§ Mr. Pavittasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will make a statement on the possible side effects of an ulcer drug which was extensively promoted recently in the United Kingdom and its use in the NHS, in view of the evidence sent to him by the hon. Member for Brent, South.
§ Mr. MoyleMy hon. Friend has sent to me an extract from theWall Street Journalof 2nd June about the product Tagamet. Tagamet (Cimetidine) was considered by the Committee on Safety of Medicines in October 1976. The Committee was satisfied with the evidence on the quality, safety and efficacy of the drug for the indications currently recommended in this country, and advised that approval to market it should be granted.
I understand that Tagamet has now received marketing approval in the United States of America, Canada and Germany. I am advised that no new animal evidence has become available since the Committee on safety of Medicines gave 414W its advice and that its safety in man is being carefully monitored.