Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 30 March 2017
262. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence to confirm that if any member of the Defence Forces who was prescribed Lariam subsequently presents with symptoms, Lariam will immediately be discontinued, as mandated by a company (details supplied) in its summary of product characteristics. [15869/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra263. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence further to Parliamentary Question No. 1,330 of 21 March 2017, the potential side effects of mefloquine (details supplied) listed in the boxed warning that comes with the drug that are considered by his Department to be minor and tolerable; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15894/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 262 and 263 together.
It is the policy of the Defence Forces that personnel are individually screened for fitness for overseas service and medical suitability, i.e. a medical risk assessment for Lariam is carried out on an individual basis.
I am advised that significant precautions are taken by the Defence Forces Medical Officers in assessing the medical suitability of members of the Defence Forces to take any of the anti-malarial medications, including identification of any contraindications and assessment of any reported side effects that may occur.
As I already indicated in my previous response, while overseas, all personnel have access to either an Irish military Medical Officer or to the UN provided medical service (depending on the particular mission) to whom they could report any complaints, including potential side effects of any medications.
I am advised by the military authorities that where a Medical Officer forms the opinion that an individual has developed sensitivity to Lariam while overseas, that requires discontinuation of the medication, an alternative chemoprophylaxis is provided. The individual is monitored and ultimately, if serious enough, the individual may be repatriated.
