The Royal Pharmaceutical Society’s Professional Standards Directorate
have been advised by the Medicines Control Agency that 75 out of 170 skin whitening
creams tested by the agency were found to contain steroids or hydroquinone in
excess of the 2 per cent maximum strength allowed under the cosmetic regulations.
Most of these creams come from abroad and would probably not be supplied through
a pharmacy’s medical wholesaler. However, it is suspected that pharmacists
have also been offered these products and may not be aware of the ingredients.
The sale of a cream with a steroid or hydroquinone content greater than 2 per
cent may constitute a breach of the Medicines Act 1968, contravention of which
could result in the institution of criminal proceedings.
If pharmacists require further clarification on the content of skin whitening
creams, they should contact the Enforcement Unit at the Medicines Control Agency
(tel 020 7273 0607) for guidance.
Handling products in packaging of similar appearance
Pharmacists should be particularly vigilant when handling the products of manufacturers
who use similar packaging for different pharmaceutical products or for different
strengths of the same product.
When selecting such a product for dispensing, pharmacists are advised to check
and recheck the pack to ensure that the correct product has been chosen. In
addition, when orders from suppliers are unpacked, extra care should be taken
to ensure that such products are placed on the correct dispensary shelf to minimise
the risk of picking the wrong product for dispensing.