HC Deb 17 January 2002 vol 378 c434W
Paul Flynn

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what is his most recent assessment of(a) deaths and (b) other side effects resulting from the misuse, over-use or inappropriate prescription of (i) painkillers and (ii) antidepressants. [26029]

Jacqui Smith

As with all medicines, the safety of painkillers and antidepressants, including adverse effects associated with inappropriate use and overuse, is closely monitored by the Medicines Control Agency (MCA) and the Committee on Safety of Medicines.

We introduced specific measures in September 1998 reducing pack sizes of the commonly used painkillers, paracetamol and aspirin, aimed at reducing the toxicity from impulsive overdose. New warnings on the packaging emphasised the risks and action to take in the event of an overdose. Recently published papers provide growing evidence that these measures are having an important public health impact.

The MCA is continuing to monitor the impact of these measures by examining a range of data, including hospital admissions, liver transplants and deaths from self-poisoning.

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