A common list of reimbursable medicines was introduced for the general medical services scheme and the drug payment scheme from 1 July 1999. Previously, medicines which were not available to medical card holders under the general medical services scheme were being reimbursed under the community drugs schemes. The introduction of the common medicines list ensures equity between the general medical services, GMS, and the drugs payment scheme in relation to the range of medicines paid for by the State under both schemes. In order for any item of medicine to be included in the common list of items reimbursable under the community drug schemes, it must comply with a list of criteria. These range from the uses for and licensing of medicines to the pricing of products. In addition, the product should ordinarily be supplied to the public only on foot of a medical prescription and should not be advertised or promoted to the public. Phosphate enemas are low cost products which are available in pharmacies without prescription.