§ Dr. Roger Thomasasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether, although the prescription of drugs for pregnant women in the first 16 weeks of pregnancy has been substantially reduced, if he will publish a statement as to the toxicity and tetrogenic effects of effective drugs such as Debendox that control vomiting in early pregnancy.
§ Dr. VaughanThe Committee on Safety of Medicines is aware of no scientific evidence to indicate that any drugs that might normally be prescribed for the treatment in vomiting of pregnancy, including Debendox, may cause harm to the foetus. However, it is impossible to give a categorical assurance that any drug is "safe" and it is for that reason that the CSM has recently recommended that drugs should be given during pregnancy only if they are clinically essential. Warnings about the use of individual drugs during pregnancy are available to doctors from a number of sources, including product data sheets.