DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
98/414 Tuesday 6th October 1998
GAMMA HYDROXY BUTYRATE: THE MEDICINES CONTROL AGENCY'S POSITION
The Medicines Control Agency (MCA) confirmed today that it is
investigating an increasing number of instances of illegal trading of
Gamma Hydroxy Butyrate (GHB). GHB is an unlicensed medicinal product
and can only be sold or supplied to the public by a doctor or
dispensed by a pharmacist in response to a prescription written by a
doctor.
GHB, which is also known as Liquid Ecstasy, has been promoted for
body builders who believe it stimulates the body's production of
growth hormones, and as a sleep aid. It has also been gaining
popularity as a recreational drug and is frequently used with other
substances of abuse such as alcohol and Ecstasy.
A doctor can only supply the product or write a prescription for it
for a patient under his or her care whose special needs require that
particular product. As with all unlicensed medicinal products, it is
prescribed on a named patient basis - on the doctor's personal
responsibility.
Any other form of retail sale or supply of unlicensed medicines is
illegal and a criminal offence under the Medicines Act 1968. The MCA
is currently investigating some illegal trading activities, including
the advertising of GHB.
GHB is known to have numerous adverse effects, particularly where
taken with other drugs or alcohol. These include vomiting, amnesia,
reduced muscle tone, vertigo, coma and respiratory arrest.
NOTES FOR EDITORS
1. GHB is a powerful and rapidly acting central nervous system
depressant with sleep inducing, sedative and muscle relaxant
properties. It is also known to produce a euphoriant effect similar
to amphetamines but lasting for 24-48 hours. It is legally
manufactured within the European Union as a general anaesthetic.
2. Breaches of medicines legislation are criminal offences and
carry a maximum penalty of two years imprisonment and/or an unlimited
fine.
[ENDS]
.............
Dr Jonathan Kay
University of Oxford
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