This story was first published in digitalhealth.net
MHRA warns over students using ‘smart drugs’
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has issued a statement warning university students of the dangers of taking prescription ’smart’ medicines to get higher marks.
The announcement comes as new research from the Agency found 14 per cent of those surveyed were likely to purchase so-called ‘smart dugs’ within the next year.
Such medicines include Modafinil and Ritalin, which is used to treat ADHD.
Possible side effects from self-medicating these substances can include risk of dependence, cardiovascular problems and psychosis.
Lynda Scammell, MHRA Senior Policy Manager, warned: “You may be offered ‘smart drugs’ or ‘cognitive enhancers’ at university – some of them may be potent medicines which should only be prescribed by a doctor.
“Modafinil is licensed for specific medical conditions – not for use as a ‘boost’ during exams. Don’t put your health at risk by self-medication - it could have serious side effects.
“It’s a criminal offence to supply prescription only medicines without a valid prescription - websites offering them are acting illegally.
“Be smart – don’t put your health at risk by buying medicines online and don’t give your student loan to a criminal.”
Latest News
16/02/2024 - 12:56
Hammersmith and Fulham Council has created a new alliance intended to clean dirty air and improve residents' health.
16/02/2024 - 10:44
Two million more GP appointments a month are being delivered for patients compared to the same month before the pandemic as part of the NHS primary care access recovery plan according to new NHS data.
15/02/2024 - 10:26
The Welsh Government has provided innovation funding of £380,000 to support two projects utilising technology in domiciliary care.
15/02/2024 - 10:13
The new Scottish health secretary has met with frontline staff at Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow.
14/02/2024 - 10:27
The North East London NHS Foundation Trust (NELFT) has appointed three new Executive Directors to the Trust Board.
Product Features
UK Building Regulations highlight toxic gas and smoke from layers of paint built up over multiple redecorations as a major cause of permanent ill health or death in a building fire.
Their concern rose with discovery the flame retardant paints most widely used paint along escape routes have been ones which to this day counter-productively use emission of heavy toxic gas to smother flames which rapidly spread along walls if layers of paint delaminate in a fire.
Supplier Profiles
Northwich’s Victoria Infirmary (VIN) Community Diagnostic Centre (CDC) has enabled more patients
Adveco, the commercial hot water specialist, announces the launch of live metering of domestic ho
Latest Features
Sarah Greenslade, public affairs and communications officer at the British Parking Association looks at some of the problems and innovations in healthcare parking
It’s easy to assume that the comms team is there to handle press enquiries and the occasional social media storm – but the reality is that strategic communications can make a measurable impact across the entire organisation, from operational to financial, when done properly
