§ Mr. Spellerasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many cases have been notified of apparently permanent injury due to the side effects of properly prescribed steroids intended to treat asthma symptoms.
§ Dr. VaughanThe Committee on Safety of Medicines received a total of404W 810 reports (to February 1980) of suspected adverse reactions to adrenal corticosteroids, of which 52 (excluding deaths) could clinically be described as "permanent". Unfortunately, it would be disproportionately costly to identify the number and type of reactions in those cases where this class of drugs was prescribed for patients suffering from asthma. However, if my hon. Friend has a particular case in mind, he may care to write me.