HC Deb 05 November 2003 vol 412 c648W
John Mann

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what discussions he has had with the Department of Health regarding the number of painkillers available over the counter in Wales which contain codeine phosphate. [135542]

Mr. Touhig

I have not held specific discussions on products containing codeine phosphate, but I am aware that the position in Wales is the same as that in England.

According to the records held by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), there are currently 96 granted marketing authorisations for medicinal products containing the active ingredient codeine phosphate. These are licensed as pharmacy medicines and are available without prescription from a pharmacy under the supervision of a pharmacist. No products containing codeine phosphate are licensed for general sale.

The National Assembly has recently supported 'Ask about Medicines Week' in October. This is an awareness week to highlight the role of pharmacists and increase people's understanding of medicines.

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