Phenacetin curb

Press, Volume CXIV, Issue 33478, 8 March 1974, Page 12

Phenacetin curb

(h.Z. Pre*i Awn- Copyright) LONDON, March 6. Health authorities in Britain propose to restrict the sale and supply of phenacetin because of evidence that it may cause kidney damage.

Phenacetin has been one of the most widely used nonaddictive drugs for the relief of pain.

The Department of Health and Social Security said in a statement: ‘ Restrictions on the sale and supply of phenacetin are proposed by the health departments of the United Kingdom on the advice of the Committee on Safety of Medicines. “This is because of the accumulation of evidence that, when used regularly for long periods, phenacetin can cause damage to the kidneys. “As a first step, the department intends that from June 1, 1974, sales of products containing phenacetin — including compound codeine tablets and A.P.C. tablets — should be restricted to pharmacies onlv. Special warning labels would be affixed to the containers in which thev are sold. "From January 1. 1975, it is proposed that phenacetin should no longer be allowed to be sold to the general public, ft will, however, still be available for supply on prescription, so ’hat patients will still be able to use it when their doctor or dentist considers that it is indicated.”