The Pharmaceutical Journal Vol 267 No 7159 p151-153
4 August 2001

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P-to-GSL

Not always in the best interests of patients

From Mr A. J. Thompson, MRPharmS

I note with concern that the Medicine Control Agency is proposing to transfer aspirin 75mg from pharmacy only to general sale list status (PJ, 30 June).

For clinical reasons this is entirely inappropriate. Low-dose aspirin is a fundamentally different therapeutic intervention to the majority of other products available on the general sale list, namely, it is an evidence-based potential life-saver, rather than a symptomatic treatment. There is reasonably widespread awareness among the general public that “an aspirin a day can keep the doctor away”, but a significantly poorer awareness of the risks that the intervention also carries.

If aspirin 75mg is to become available from non-pharmacy outlets, then there will be a lost opportunity for patients to discuss the issues involved with a health care professional. As a consequence there is a significant likelihood that patients with a minimal risk of coronary heart disease, but significant risk factors for the haemorrhagic complications of antiplatelet therapy, will commence treatment. Against this background, it is impossible to see any justification whatsoever for the proposed change and the MCA needs to be alerted to the fact that such a change is detrimental to the best interests of the patients we serve.

Angus Thompson
Pharmaceutical Adviser,
South Somerset NHS Primary Care Group

TRICIA GRIFFITHS (reclassification policy manager, Medicines Control Agency) replies:

Aspirin 75mg is currently permitted for GSL supply with a maximum pack size of 16 tablets or capsules. The Prescription Only Medicines Order allows aspirin 75mg to be sold or supplied in packs containing not more than 100 tablets/capsules under the supervision of a pharmacist. We are currently considering a proposal to allow enteric-coated aspirin 75mg on general sale in packs up to 28 tablets or capsules (ie, a month’s supply and an increase from 16). It is included in MCA consultation letter MLX 272, which is available via the MCA website or from MCA Information Division, Market Towers, 1 Nine Elms Lane, London SW8 5NQ. The consultation period ended on 3 August 2001.

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