§ Ms WalleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what representations he has received in respect of the adverse affects of corticosteroids; what plans he has to hold a public inquiry into their handling and use; and if he will make a statement. [4172]
§ Mr. MilburnCorrespondence has been received from members of Group Action into Steroid Prescribing, a group of people who have suffered adverse effects associated with corticosteroid treatment.
Corticosteroids have been fully evaluated for quality, efficacy and safety by the United Kingdom Licensing Authority. The product information including patient leaflets describes the effects of these medicines. It is for prescribing doctors to decide on the risks and benefits of treating individual patients according to their clinical judgment. Ensuring that patients are appropriately informed about the possible effects of drug treatment is a matter of concern and practice in this area is currently under consideration.