From Mr V. Wong, MRPharmS
SIR,—The proposed switch of Zantac 75 to a GSL medicine restricted to pharmacies as Zantac 75 Relief is irresponsible. The manufacturer is dismissing the value of community pharmacists rather than working with them in promoting the use of H2-antagonists in the community.
A pharmacy-restricted GSL product does not allow consumers to benefit from advice offered by community pharmacists. Quite the contrary - it gives them the impression that the product is completely safe because pharmacist intervention is no longer necessary. How can a pharmacist identify potential misuse of ranitidine without proper questioning? As Glaxo Wellcome has stated that retaining pharmacist and pharmacy assistant recommendation is extremely important, what good is it to make Zantac 75 a GSL medicine, other than attempting to exclude pharmacists and assistants from its sale?
Medicines are not commodity products; they have potential side effects and serious consequences if misused. It is a pharmacist's responsibility to ensure that the welfare of the public is protected. In some circumstances, Zantac 75 is undoubtedly a treatment worthy of pharmacists' consideration for recommendation. However, the irresponsible action of this reclassification is not condoned by community pharmacists, and there is a significant feeling of discontent in the profession about the switch. Despite the majority of pharmacists' opinions in this matter, Glaxo Wellcome has chosen to distance itself from the profession in order to pursue its own self-interest.
It is only a matter of time before the product becomes available in supermarkets and petrol stations. It might as well be, as there is very little difference!
Vincent Wong
London SW4