§ Mr. BlunkettTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment her Department has made of the drug ritodrine; what guidance she has issued on its use; and what plans she has to review its usage.
§ Dr. MawhinneyThe Committee on Safety of Medicines has recently conducted a full investigation into the safety and efficacy of ritodrine. This review was prompted by a publication in the medical literature which expressed concern about the risks and benefits of ritodrine and by two recent deaths in the United Kingdom following treatment with the drug. The committee concluded that the drug was effective and safe when administered correctly. They recommended a number of changes to the prescribing information which are currently being implemented. The manufacturer of ritodrine has written to all doctors emphasising the measures which should be adopted to ensure that the drug is administered safely. As with all medicines licensed for use in the United Kingdom, the safety of ritodrine is being kept under constant review by the Medicines Control Agency.