Legislated changes
The Department of Health has published Government Notice No. 254 dated 15 March 2016 pertaining to the Medicines and Related Substances Act, 1965 and the rescheduling of Medicines which has come into effect. Click here to view. Click here for the ICPA summary of changes.
Proposed rescheduling of Diclofenac
The Medicines Control Council (MCC) has indicated that it is considering rescheduling Diclofenac by removing its Schedule 2 status. Academic papers confirm that Diclofenac increases the possibility of cardiovascular events; however at low doses the health risk is reduced. ICPA maintains that pharmacists are equipped with the necessary skill set to make an informed decision on whether to dispense a course of Diclofenac tablets for certain medical conditions or an alternative or refer, where appropriate. Click here to view the MCC notice. The attached has been submitted to the MCC for consideration. Click here to view.