§ Mr. Ieuan Wyn JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what representations he has received on the difficulties encountered by general practitioners using the yellow card scheme for prescribing drugs such as benzodiazepines.
§ Mrs. Virginia BottomleyThe yellow card scheme is a voluntary scheme operated by the Committee on Safety of Medicines for the reporting of adverse reactions to medicinal products. It is not used for prescribing drugs.
Recently, in response to representations from the medical profession. the CSM has redesigned the yellow card and has issued guidance in relation to the reporting of serious reactions to established drugs. The CSM maintains a dialogue with the medical profession and welcomes all ideas for stimulating and encouraging more reporting. A number of these ideas are under active consideration at present.
§ Mr. Ieuan Wyn JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what procedures are adopted by the Committee on Safety of Medicines in dealing with complaints; and what complaints the committee has considered about the use of benzodiazepines.
§ Mrs. Virginia BottomleyThe Committee on Safety of Medicines operates a freepost and freephone service for the medical professions. Complaints are investigated by the professional secretariat to the CSM and all serious matters are referred to the committee for advice. Complaints about benzodiazepines have mainly related to the dependance-producing side-effects and the comparative safety profiles of certain members of the group.