From Mr A. M. Murdock, MRPharmS
SIR,—I would like to comment on the letter from Mr Alun Phillips (PJ, November 18, p753) on Lloydspharmacy's decision surrounding phenylpropanolamine (PJ, November 11, p709).
It is fairly evident that Mr Phillips was not aware of our press statement, which stated that we had removed these products from our open display (as Lloydspharmacy has P medicines in a more open environment behind Perspex shelving). This process ensured that any such further sales were made under the express supervision of a pharmacist rather than simply under protocol.
We also stated that any risk was low but until further guidance and information was forthcoming, I and the company were unwilling to put patients at risk.
Once the situation had been re-examined and guidance reissued by the Committee on Safety of Medicines then the product was redisplayed with guidance to pharmacists re-emphasising the contraindications. Indeed, your leading article that same week (PJ, November 18, p741) chided the profession for not reacting quickly enough to provide clear guidance.
In this climate of risk assessment, in which we are all encouraged to be greater practitioners, the stance we took was valid. I would rather be seen to take action which has to be reversed than to stand on the sidelines twiddling thumbs and hoping.
Andy Murdock Pharmacy Director and Superintendent Pharmacist, Lloydspharmacy