Public Health Policy

Wednesday, 29 January 2014

Questions (188, 189)

Billy Kelleher

Question:

188. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health his plans to make Anapens publicly available, like defibrillators; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4429/14]

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189. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the action his Department and the Health Service Executive have taken to raise awareness of anaphylaxis; if he will provide support to persons at risk and their families; his plans to step up these support measures; if any legislation is planned; if any other agencies under the aegis of his Department are pursuing measures in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4430/14]

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Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

I propose to take Questions Nos. 188 and 189 together.

Anaphylaxis may arise from a wide variety of causes, including insect stings, food allergies and reaction to certain medications. It affects individuals in many different ways. General practitioners are in the best position to offer advice to sufferers and, where necessary, to refer them to hospital consultants. While it is not possible to be prescriptive with regard to the precautions that should be taken in individual cases, generally speaking, persons at known risk of anaphylaxis would be well advised to carry an adrenaline pen and, in the case of children, carers and teachers should be made aware of the child's condition and have access to, and be shown how to use an adrenaline pen in an emergency.

Adrenaline pens, as injectable medicines, may only be supplied on foot of a prescription. However, there is provision in the Medicinal Products (Prescription and Control of Supply) Regulations which permits pharmacists, in emergency circumstances, to supply certain prescription-only medicines, including adrenaline pens, without a prescription. My Department is currently examining the possibility of amending the Regulations to facilitate the wider availability of adrenaline pens without prescription in emergency situations.