§ Mr. Michael Forsythasked the Secretary of State for Social Services why Flenac is not available for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis; and what representations have been received since it was withdrawn.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeIn a review of the safety of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, the Committee on Safety of Medicines took account of about 900 reports of adverse reactions, including seven deaths, which were associated with the use of Flenac, and of other evidence on its potential risks and its benefits. The committee advised that there were no overriding clinical benefits that outweighed the risks and that, on grounds of safety, the product licence for the marketing of Flenac in the United Kingdom should not be renewed. The company appealed to the Medicines Commission which upheld the committee's advice, which we accepted. The company
Standardised Registration Ratios for Leukaemia (ICD 204–208) in East Dorset Health District 1979–81. England and Wales 1980=100. Males 136 Females 117 Leukaemia (ICD 204–208) registrations in East Dorset Health District 1979 –81, by sex and age group. Numbers and rates per 100,000 population. England and Wales 1980 rates per 100,000 population. Males Females East Dorset England and Wales rate East Dorset England and Wales rate Age-group Number Rate Number Rate 0–4 2 6.8 5.1 1 3.5 4.4 5–14 5 6.5 2.7 5 6.8 2.0 15–24 2 2.5 2.1 1 1.3 1.3 25–34 1 1.4 2.1 1 1.3 1.6 35–44 2 3.0 2.3 3 4.5 2.1 45–54 6 9.2 6.2 4 5.7 3.4 55–64 15 21.7 12.2 8 9.6 7.4 65–74 31 43.8 29.2 15 15.4 16.3 75 and over 25 64.6 61.6 27 34.2 31.6