§ Mr. AshleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what current procedures are used to ensure that those prescribing drugs are aware of recent findings which may indicate possible side effects or the need for precautions in the use of drugs.
§ Mr. Mellor[holding answer 31 January 1989]: The Committee on Safety of Medicines (CSM) sends its publication "Current Problems" to all doctors, dentists, and pharmacists in the United Kingdom about three times a year. This covers a wide range of current drug safety issues, and often includes advice and recommendations to prescribers. The CSM also provides occasional articles and letters for medical journals. Particularly urgent issues are notified direct to prescribers using CSM "Dear Doctor" letters.
The Department also funds the distribution to prescribers of a variety of independent publications, including the "British National Formulary", "Drug and Therapeutics Bulletin", "Adverse Drug Reactions Bulletin" and Prescribers' Journal, all of which provide guidance on the prescribing and use of drugs.
Prescribers can also consult product data sheets which contain detailed information about known side effects, contra-indications and other precautions.