20 November 2014: free gift of Aspirin 75mg tablets
Updated 31 March 2015
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A pharmacist complained to MHRA about packages distributed by The Bath Pub Company Ltd that included a medicine, to members of the public who had enquired about their Christmas menu. The complainant was also concerned that the accompanying leaflet suggested that the 75mg aspirin tablets should be taken if needed to ‘solve your party headache’, although the product supplied was not licensed for pain relief.
MHRA upheld the complaint. Although the samples had been obtained through normal commercial channels, they were accompanied by a leaflet suggesting an unlicensed use.
MHRA considers the supply of medicines to the general public as part of an unsolicited free gift to be inappropriate and potentially dangerous. Medicines are a special category of products that contain potent substances which can have beneficial effects, but any effective medicine also carries risks.