Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 15 June 2016
230. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if he is investigating an alternative drug to replace Lariam as the anti-malarial medication used by member of the Defence Forces when serving overseas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16136/16]
View answer231. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number of serving and retired members of the Defence Forces who have exhibited harmful side-effects from the use of the anti-malarial drug Lariam; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16137/16]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 230 and 231 together.
There are three anti-malarial drugs in use by the Defence Forces, namely Lariam (mefloquine), Malarone and Doxycycline. The choice of medication for overseas deployment, including the use of Lariam, is a medical decision made by Medical Officers in the Defence Forces, having regard to the specific circumstances of the mission and the individual member of the Irish Defence Forces.
A Malaria Chemoprophylaxis working group was re-convened in August 2015. The purpose of the group is to review inter alia issues arising in relation to the use of Lariam, particularly in the context of the current and potential litigation; to review and confirm the Defence Forces approach in relation to the use of malaria chemoprophylaxis in the Defence Forces; and to ensure that the procedures in relation thereto continue to be appropriate and in accordance with best medical practice as promulgated by the relevant medical authorities. In addition, the Group was tasked with reviewing the use of the drug Primaquine as part of the overall medical treatment process for those deployed to malarious areas.
Information relating to side effects suffered by members of the Defence Forces following the use of any drug is maintained on individual’s medical files. The Defence Forces’ management systems are not designed to collate the information requested by the Deputy from individual files.
Malaria is a serious disease that killed approximately 438,000 people in 2015, with 90% of deaths occurring in sub-Saharan Africa. It is a serious threat to any military force operating in the area. Anti-malarial medications, including Lariam, remain in the formulary of medications prescribed by the Medical Corps for Defence Forces personnel on appropriate overseas missions, to ensure that our military personnel can have effective protection from the very serious risks posed by this highly dangerous disease.
