Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 April 2014
616. Deputy Mary Mitchell O'Connor asked the Minister for Health in view of the severe and often tragic outcome of anaphylactic shock, if he plans to make the necessary provisions of EpiPens in public premises; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16356/14]
View answerAdrenaline pens, as injectable medicines, may only be supplied on foot of a valid prescription. However, there is provision in the current Medicinal Products (Prescription and Control of Supply) Regulations 2003 (as amended) which permits pharmacists, in emergency circumstances, to supply certain prescription only medicines 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, by persons trained in the administration of these pens.
