Varadkar announces public consultation on easier access to ‘rescue’ drugs in emergencies – including epipens Adrenaline, salbutamol, glucagon, naloxone and glyceryl trinitrate.
Minister for Health Leo Varadkar has launched a consultation process on whether to make a number of prescription-only medicines used in emergency situations more widely available, including epipens which are used to treat allergic shock.
The medicines in question are:
- Adrenaline auto-injectors (for treatment of anaphylaxis/allergic shock)
- Salbutamol (treatment of asthma attacks and COPD)
- Glucagon (treatment of diabetic hypoglycaemia)
- Naloxone (treatment of opioid overdose like heroin)
- Glyceryl trinitrate (treatment of unstable angina)
The Department of Health consultation process will gather views on whether the existing prescription-only arrangements for these medicines should be improved or relaxed. These medicines can potentially save lives in emergency situations, but they could be dangerous if used in the wrong circumstances or without training.
The consultation process will also consider whether non-medical people should have ready access to prescription-only medicines for use in emergency situations, while ensuring that medicines continue to be controlled in an appropriate manner. The HSE is already preparing a pilot project for this year to make naloxone available to family members, friends and support staff of registered heroin users.
Source: health.gov.ie, 20/02/15
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