News Release

21st July 2009

FABRICANT CALLS FOR DRUGS CAP TO BE LIFTED

With the West Midlands being designated a swine flu hot spot, Michael Fabricant has called on the Government to lift the cap on the amount of paracetamol, aspirin, and other similar medicines that can be bought over the counter.

"I am aware that in some cases there has been drug abuse with these common medicines. But with the number of swine flu infections increasing in the West Midlands and elsewhere, the Government should lift the restriction on the amount of simple antipyretics, drugs which reduce fever, that can be sold over the counter at any one time.

"Not everyone has a 'flu buddy' to do the shopping for them. Even that flu buddy might unwittingly be spreading the disease. Fewer visits to supermarkets and chemists would help limit the spread of swine flu. And I know that many sales assistants at supermarkets have been abused by customers when they have been refused the sale of more than a handful of capsules. "

But Gillian Merron the Minister for Public Health has poured cold water on this proposal. In a Parliamentary written answer to Michael Fabricant, she says: "There are no current plans to change this. Antipyretics such as paracetamol and aspirin are available in packs of 16 tablets or capsules from general sale outlets such as supermarkets and up to two packs can be purchased at any one time.

"Larger packs of 32 tablets or capsules are designated as pharmacy medicines and are sold by or under the supervision of a pharmacist. Pharmacists have the professional discretion to sell up to 100 tablets or capsules without a prescription if they consider this is in the best interests of the patient. The need for professional advice and supervision when supplying these medicines does not reduce during a pandemic."