The Pharmaceutical Journal
Vol 278 No 7444 p341
24 March 2007

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Letters to the Editor

Pseudoephedrine

Move by MHRA disempowers pharmacists

From Mr S. R. Newbury, MRPharmS

It would be refreshing if the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency were as energetic in the pursuit of the deluge of online “Viagra” and counterfeit products as it appears to intend being on the issue of methylamphetamine production from over-the-counter pseudoephedrine (PJ, 10 March, p269).

I have no doubt that this consultation for legal change, coming before any efforts were made to communicate with pharmacists regarding increased control or vigilance, will be seen as indicating both a lack of confidence in pharmacy and a lack of understanding by the MHRA of the way in which pharmacists work. Witness the glib reference to people buying products from multiple pharmacies which, if I may say so, is teaching us to suck eggs.

This move appears to fly in the face of the Wanless report and patient empowerment, and suggests that the MHRA is more interested in disempowering pharmacists in their efforts to make patient care more accessible without jeopardising safety. I have no doubt that this issue will be seen as a slap in the face by most pharmacists (PJ, 17 March, p304).

It is no wonder that the public we serve see little evidence of changing services, and patient choice in the UK contrasts poorly in many minds with patient choice in much of Europe. I would seek to ask another question which may or may not open a debate in your columns: is the MHRA fit for purpose?

Steve Newbury
Swansea

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