§ Mr. WareingTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what action she has taken to control the prescribing of prednisolone steroids; what information she has on the possible harmful side-effects of this drug; and if she will make a statement.
§ Mr. SackvilleThe side-effects of prednisolone and other corticosteroids are well recognised. Information on the side-effects are widely available in the published literature including the product data sheets, which are authorised by the licensing authority and the British National Formulary which the Department sends free to all prescribers. Information on suspected adverse reactions is also provided to the Medicines Control Agency through the yellow card scheme for spontaneous reporting. Steroid treatment cards are routinely issued to patients which give clear guidance on the precautions to be taken and details of the prescribed drug, including dosage and duration of treatment.