Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 February 2014
704. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health the steps that have been taken by his Department to ensure that all pharmacies are aware that under existing provisions in the current Medicinal Products (Prescription and Control of Supply) Regulations 2003 they are permitted to supply in emergency circumstances without a prescription. [9567/14]
View answer705. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health when he and his Department will decide to carry out a review of the Medicinal Products (Prescription and Control of Supply) Regulations 2003 in view of a request to pilot a study regarding the administration of adrenaline in the treatment of anaphylaxis by trained anaphylaxis first responders; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9568/14]
View answer706. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health if his Department concluded its examination of the legal basis upon which adrenaline can be administered to a patient where the adrenaline has been prescribed for the patient by a medical practitioner or other prescriber; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9569/14]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 704 to 706, inclusive, together.
Under EU law, adrenaline pens, as injectable medicines, may only be supplied on foot of a valid 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.
The Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland (PSI), an independent statutory body established by the Pharmacy Act 2007, is charged with, and is accountable for, the effective regulation of pharmacy services in Ireland, including responsibility for supervising compliance with the Pharmacy Act and medicines legislation.
Pharmacists as part of their undergraduate and internship training programme are comprehensively educated on medicines and controlled drugs legislation including the provisions on the emergency supply of medicines.
In May 2012, the PSI issued up to date advice to pharmacists on the emergency supply provisions of the medicines legislation. This advice was circulated to all pharmacists via the PSI pharmacist monthly newsletter and is available to download from the PSI website.
My Department is currently examining the possibility of amending the Prescription and Control of Supply Regulations to facilitate the wider availability of adrenaline pens without a prescription in emergency situations.
