asked the Minister for Health whether the stipulation that, as and from 1 July 1987, DFLL8 tablets would be subject to prescription only as required by virtue of the Medical Preparations (Control of Sale) Regulations, 1987 has been effective; whether any action has been taken arising from the abuse of such tablets; and if this abuse has ceased.
Written Answers. - DFLL8 Tablets.
230.
Information available to my Department would suggest that abuse of DFLL8 tablets is not a problem at the moment. I would feel that a number of initiatives taken in 1987 have contributed to the stamping out of an emerging problem of abuse involving this product.
The first step involved the introduction on 1 July 1987 of general prescription controls over preparations of dihydrocodeine (including DFLL8 tablets) under the Medical Preparations (Control of Sale) Regulations, 1987 (S.I. No. 18 of 1987).
In view of the fact that these general prescription controls were not in themselves sufficient to deal with the emerging problem of abuse of the tablets, I decided to extend the control regime provided for under the Misuse of Drugs Acts, 1977 and 1984 to preparations containing down to 10mg of dihydrocodeine. This initiative was given effect to by virtue of the Misuse of Drugs (Exemption) (Amendment) Order, 1987 (S.I. No. 264 of 1987) which came into force on 16 October 1987. This order has had the effect of making it an offence to supply or to have DFLL8 tablets in one's possession without an authority. In addition the stricter Misuse of Drugs prescription writing and record keeping requirements now apply to DFLL8 tablets.
The taking of this action has had the effect of facilitating monitoring of prescriptions issued for DFLL8 tablets, thereby enabling me to have recourse to the investigative procedures provided for under the Misuse of Drugs Acts 1977 and 1984 in cases of alleged irresponsible prescribing of the drug by doctors.