PAGB has welcomed the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency’s Drug Safety Alert to pharmacists on educating customers of the potential flammability risk when using certain anti-head lice products.

PAGB chief executive John Smith said: “Safety is of paramount importance to the consumer healthcare industry. We welcome MHRA’s Drug Safety Update providing advice for pharmacists so they can educate parents, carers and head lice [treatment] users about the potential flammability risk when using some head lice treatments near a naked flame and other sources of ignition. 

“It is important to reassure people that if used in accordance with the clear on-pack instructions and the patient information leaflet inside, head lice treatments available over-the-counter (OTC) are an appropriately safe way to eliminate head lice and eggs, which can be easily spread with head to head contact. All OTC medicines carry important on-pack information about the product’s ingredients, dosage and precautions for use and the recommendation is to always read the label carefully each time before use.

“We would advise anyone concerned about the use of these medicines to speak to their pharmacist. Pharmacists are highly trained healthcare professionals and can provide information and advice on over-the-counter medicines.”