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Source - Pharmaceutical Journal - FLAVORx, a US company that markets flavourings for dispensed medicines,
is to try to expand its business into the United Kingdom (UK).
In the US, the company markets 42 different flavours which it says are sugar-free, non-allergenic, dye-free, alcohol-free, sodium-free
and so concentrated that only a few drops need to be added to any bottle of liquid medicine
The company is to meet several community pharmacy companies this month with a view to its flavourings being available in this country
early next year for addition to medicines by pharmacists when they dispense them.
Flavorx says that market research has indicated demand in the UK for a solution to the problem of patients not taking medicines as
prescribed because of their taste or smell.
However, some questions remain to be answered before the flavours can be used in the UK. Lynsey Balmer, head of professional ethics at
the Royal Pharmaceutical Society, said: “The Society recognises the importance of initiatives to improve patient compliance. However, the implication for patients of adding flavours to medicines is
something that will need careful consideration.”
A Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency spokesman added: “You can’t just add something to a medicine to change its
flavour without approval from the MHRA. Flavour is part of the licensing agreement and you don’t know what chemicals are in the flavour mixture and how they will interact with the medicine.”
For more information go to: http://www.pjonline.com/Editorial/20051203/news/p681flavours.html
For more information on flavorx go to: http://www.flavorx.com/across_the_atlantic.html
Prepared by Susan Wileman Medicines Information Technician
Date of Preparation: 6th December 2005
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