HC Deb 19 April 1994 vol 241 cc473-4W
Dr. Spink

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps she has taken to warn people about the possible adverse effects of the use of sex-enhancing drugs, and in particular nitrates, and the possible impact of such substances on the immune system.

Mr. Sackville

Recently the Department ran a £2.6 million television and press campaign to inform parents in the fight against drugs and solvent misuse. We are also running a competition for schools "Acting for Health—Drugs, Smoking and Alcohol Abuse", which aims to encourage young people to think about the consequences of substance misuse and how it affects the individual, his or her family and friends and community. As part of our strategy to reduce substance misuse we are keeping the position regarding alkyl nitrites under close review.

Drug and alcohol abuse, including the use of sex-enhancing drugs, may increase the likelihood of indulgence in risky sexual behaviour which could lead to infection with sexually transmitted diseases. This message, including mention of alkyl nitrite inhalants, is included where appropriate in sexual health promotion material prepared for homosexual men.

Dr. Spink

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what evidence exists and what research has been or is being conducted into the link between the use of sex-enhancing drugs, with particular reference to nitrites, and cancer, with particular reference to Kaposi's sarcoma.

Mr. Sackville

There is no clear evidence that use of alkyl nitrites causes cancer in humans. Some studies reported an association in homosexual AIDS patients between development of Kaposi's sarcoma and prior use of alkyl nitrites. However, later studies have not confirmed this association. The epidemiology of Kaposi's sarcoma suggests the involvement of an infectious agent that can be transmitted sexually. It is possible that use of alkyl nitrites is associated with higher number of sexual partners and thus greater risk of infection with this agent. As well as the occurrence of Kaposi's sarcoma as a manifestation of AIDS, a less aggressive form of the disease is seen in elderly men of mediterranean origin and in Africa. Use of alkyl nitrites is likely to be rare in these populations.