§ Mr. Chris SmithTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what information his Department has made available about the side effects of mefloquine anti-malarial tablets. [11241]
§ Mr. MaloneInformation on the side effects associated with mefloquine is provided to health professionals in the manufacturer's product information which is authorised by the Licensing Authority. An information leaflet for patients is also provided.
In July 1996, information on neurological and psychiatric side effects associated with mefloquine was published in a bulletin called "Current Problems in Pharmacovigilance". This bulletin is distributed to all doctors and pharmacists and a copy is placed in the Library.
The British National Formulary also provides information on the side effects of mefloquine and the Department of Health pays for this to be sent to general practitioners twice a year. Information on mefloquine was 491W circulated to all doctors in the chief medical officer's update—10 May 1996—and in the book "Health Information For Overseas Travel", a copy of which has been sent to every general practitioner.