§ Mr. Wareingasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what representations he has received claiming a relationship between Parkinson's disease and the prescribing of prochlorperazine; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. John PattenNo such representations have been received, but we are aware of a recent article in the medical press on this matter. Extra pyramidal disorders including Parkinson's disease, are a recognised side effect of products containing prochlorperazine. These side effects are mentioned in the product data sheet, which also mentions that the rate of metabolism and elimination of the drug decreases in old age. The data sheet is available to all doctors in the United Kingdom.
All companies have been asked to include specific prescribing advice for the elderly in the data sheets of all products likely to be used in the elderly. The data sheet regulations will be amended to require the inclusion of this prescribing information in data sheets.