§ John MannTo ask the Secretary of State for Health how many over-the-counter painkillers contain codeine phosphate; and if he will make a statement. [134993]
§ Ms Rosie Winterton[holding answer 28 October 2003]According to the records held by the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency, 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.
§ John MannTo ask the Secretary of State for Health how many opiate-based painkillers are available on prescription. [134994]
§ Ms Rosie Winterton[holding answer 28 October 2003]According to the records held by the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency, there are currently 440 granted marketing authorisations for products containing opiate or opioid-based substances which are prescription only medicines and licensed for pain relief.