The Prescription Only Medicines (Human Use) Amendment Order 1997

Explanatory Note

(This note is not part of the Order)

This Order amends the Prescription Only Medicines (Human Use) Order 1997 (“the principal Order”) which specifies descriptions and classes of prescription only medicines (i.e. medicinal products which, subject to exemptions, may be sold or supplied by retail only in accordance with a prescription given by an appropriate practitioner and which may be administered only by or in accordance with the directions of such a practitioner). Under the principal Order products are included in a class of such medicines by reason of the substances contained in them, subject to their being excluded in specified circumstances.

Article 2 of this Order amends Schedule 1 to the principal Order, which lists substances which render a medicinal product a prescription only medicine except in the circumstances also listed. The entry for carbenoxolone sodium is amended with effect from 16th September 1997 as to the conditions under which that substance may be sold otherwise than as a prescription only medicine. The entry for terfenadine is amended so that with effect from 16th September 1997 all products containing that substance are prescription only medicines. With effect from 16th September 1998 medicinal products which contain the analgesics aspirin or paracetamol are included in that Schedule with provisions to exempt certain products containing those substances and quantities of such products from being prescription only medicines.

An assessment of the cost to business of complying with this Order has been made, copies of which have been placed in the libraries of both Houses of Parliament. Further copies may be obtained from the Department of Health, Medicines Control Agency, Information Centre, Room 1207 Market Towers, 1 Nine Elms Lane, London SW8 5NQ.