Menu
01/04/2019
Prescription Drug Linked To 33 Deaths Reclassified As Illegal
A drug which has been linked to over 30 deaths in Northern Ireland has been made illegal without a prescription.
The changes to Pregabalin, which is used to treat nerve pain, epilepsy and anxiety came into effect today, Monday 01 April.
It comes after the Health and Social Care Board (HSCB) highlighted the risks associated with the substance to the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs and the Home Office, which conducted their own investigation and enacted the change.
Deaths in which pregabalin was listed as a cause increased from eight in 2016 to 33 in 2017. The drug is now classified, however, as a class C substance, meaning it is illegal to possess or supply it without a prescription.
Head of Pharmacy at the Health and Social Care Board Joe Brogan welcomed the news, saying: "The reclassification of pregabalin and gabapentin as Class C Controlled drugs is a positive step in tackling the misuse of these potentially dangerous and powerful drugs.
"We recognise the devastating and debilitating impact that drug and alcohol addiction has on the lives of individuals and their families. Over the last 10 years we have seen a significant increase in the numbers of drug related deaths, often as a result of the misuse of a combination of prescription medicines, alcohol and illicit drugs such as heroin.
"Prescription drugs are potential poisons, particularly if they haven't been prescribed for the individual by a qualified clinician, if the wrong dose is taken, if they are mixed with alcohol or other substances, or if they have come through an unregulated supply route and potentially could contain anything."
(JG/CM)
The changes to Pregabalin, which is used to treat nerve pain, epilepsy and anxiety came into effect today, Monday 01 April.
It comes after the Health and Social Care Board (HSCB) highlighted the risks associated with the substance to the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs and the Home Office, which conducted their own investigation and enacted the change.
Deaths in which pregabalin was listed as a cause increased from eight in 2016 to 33 in 2017. The drug is now classified, however, as a class C substance, meaning it is illegal to possess or supply it without a prescription.
Head of Pharmacy at the Health and Social Care Board Joe Brogan welcomed the news, saying: "The reclassification of pregabalin and gabapentin as Class C Controlled drugs is a positive step in tackling the misuse of these potentially dangerous and powerful drugs.
"We recognise the devastating and debilitating impact that drug and alcohol addiction has on the lives of individuals and their families. Over the last 10 years we have seen a significant increase in the numbers of drug related deaths, often as a result of the misuse of a combination of prescription medicines, alcohol and illicit drugs such as heroin.
"Prescription drugs are potential poisons, particularly if they haven't been prescribed for the individual by a qualified clinician, if the wrong dose is taken, if they are mixed with alcohol or other substances, or if they have come through an unregulated supply route and potentially could contain anything."
(JG/CM)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
01 March 2022
218 Drug-Related Deaths In NI In 2020
A total of 218 drug-related deaths were registered in NI in 2020, the highest number of record and a continuation of an upwards trend. The figure was revealed in the latest report on Drug-related and drug-misuse deaths in Northern Ireland, 2010-2020, published by Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (Nisra).
218 Drug-Related Deaths In NI In 2020
A total of 218 drug-related deaths were registered in NI in 2020, the highest number of record and a continuation of an upwards trend. The figure was revealed in the latest report on Drug-related and drug-misuse deaths in Northern Ireland, 2010-2020, published by Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (Nisra).
18 January 2019
Concern Over Rise In Drug & Alcohol Related Deaths
An SDLP MLA is urging members of the public to "wake up to the deadly dangers of drug and alcohol misuse" after a spate of deaths related to addiction in recent weeks. Mark Durkan's comments follow the publication of new official figures which show alcohol-related deaths are at a record high in Northern Ireland.
Concern Over Rise In Drug & Alcohol Related Deaths
An SDLP MLA is urging members of the public to "wake up to the deadly dangers of drug and alcohol misuse" after a spate of deaths related to addiction in recent weeks. Mark Durkan's comments follow the publication of new official figures which show alcohol-related deaths are at a record high in Northern Ireland.
26 February 2009
NI Drug Deaths Double
The number of drug related deaths registered each year has more than doubled over the last decade rising from 39 deaths in 1997 to 86 last year. The 86 fatalities were registered in Northern Ireland where the cause of death was drug related, either due to legal or illegal drugs.
NI Drug Deaths Double
The number of drug related deaths registered each year has more than doubled over the last decade rising from 39 deaths in 1997 to 86 last year. The 86 fatalities were registered in Northern Ireland where the cause of death was drug related, either due to legal or illegal drugs.
19 July 2024
Three Charged Over Sudden Deaths In Lisburn
Three people have been charged following an investigation into the sudden deaths of two men in the Lisburn area, in May and August of 2023. A 35-year-old woman has been charged with a number of drug-related offences, including being concerned in the supply of a Class A controlled drug, and administering poison to aggrieve.
Three Charged Over Sudden Deaths In Lisburn
Three people have been charged following an investigation into the sudden deaths of two men in the Lisburn area, in May and August of 2023. A 35-year-old woman has been charged with a number of drug-related offences, including being concerned in the supply of a Class A controlled drug, and administering poison to aggrieve.
16 December 2010
Booze Killing More Than Drug Abuse
Alcohol-related deaths in Northern Ireland last year was the highest on record, a report from the NI Statistics and Research Agency (NISRA) has revealed. NISRA said that 283 people died from drink problems in 2009, up from 276 the year before and setting a new high.
Booze Killing More Than Drug Abuse
Alcohol-related deaths in Northern Ireland last year was the highest on record, a report from the NI Statistics and Research Agency (NISRA) has revealed. NISRA said that 283 people died from drink problems in 2009, up from 276 the year before and setting a new high.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
