Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 3 February 2009
212 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason a plant (details supplied) is not available across the counter here as is the case worldwide; and her plans to create the same across the counter availability here. [3060/09]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Medicinal Products (Prescription and Control of Supply) Regulations, 2003 (as amended), the plant mentioned by the Deputy is available for sale or supply only on foot of a prescription from a registered medical practitioner. I am advised by the Irish Medicines Board that interactions between the plant and a large number of commonly used medicines can lead to a potential decrease in the effectiveness of those medicines. It is therefore considered that the medicinal use and safety profile of the plant requires the intervention and supervision of a medical practitioner to ensure correct diagnosis, usage and patient care.
