The MHRA does recognise that there is a small group of patients who have found it very difficult to change from co-proxamol, when alternatives appear not to be effective or suitable. We have worked with the manufacturer to ensure some unlicensed product remains available. As with any unlicensed medicine there is a provision for the supply of unlicensed co-proxamol, on the responsibility of the prescriber, who can judge the risks and benefits in consultation with the patient.

A key part of the National Suicide Prevention Strategy is to reduce ready access to methods of suicide. Co-proxamol has been a significant cause of death from overdose, and its withdrawal has saved the lives of around 300 – 400 people per annum in the United Kingdom from self-poisoning, of which around a fifth were accidental.

The MHRA welcomes the recent paper by Keith Hawton and colleagues highlighting the significant public health impact of the withdrawal of co-proxamol from the UK market.