The Irish Medicines Board is aware of the concerns which have been expressed regarding its recent recommendation that medicinal products containing St. John's Wort, hypericum perforatum, should be subject to prescription-only control.
In relation to herbal medicinal products generally, I have been advised that the IMB has informed the alternative-complementary health industry that it is open to dialogue and proposals for different approaches in regard to regulating products in this area provided such approaches are consistent with legal obligations and the protection of public health. In this context, the board has recently approved the concept of setting up a working group to review the regulation of herbal medicinal products which will include representatives of a range of interested parties, including the health food industry. I understand that the board has recently contacted potential participants to determine the level of interest.
The Deputy may be assured that the placing of any medicinal product under prescription only is carried out in the interest of protecting public health and safety and where it is considered appropriate that such products should be used only under medical supervision and advice. The criteria concerned are included in EU council directive 92/26/EEC concerning the classifications for supply of medicinal products for human use and the IMB would have had regard to those criteria in forming its opinion about products containing St. John's Wort.
