Proposal to make Colourstart Test 65mcg Cutaneous Patch available from general sales outlets without prescription
We are considering making Colourstart Test 65mcg Cutaneous Patch available to buy without prescription from retail outlets. We always want to involve the public and healthcare professionals in decisions that affect them. We want to know what you think about this change.
Colourstart Test 65mcg Cutaneous Patch is a ready-to-use patch test used to screen for allergy to an ingredient paraphenylenediamine (also known as PPD or `para’) which is the commonest and most well-known component of hair colourants.
PPD is known to cause allergic reactions which may be severe, in some individuals.
Colourstart Test 65mcg Cutaneous Patch is used prior to applying hair colourant. If reaction to the patch test is positive, hair colourant should not be used.
Colourstart Test 65mcg Cutaneous Patch is currently licensed as a prescription only medicine.
We propose to make it available in general sales outlets, such as supermarkets and hair dressing salons, without prescription.
The Commission on Human Medicines has advised that this product can be available as a General Sale List (GSL) medicine. We want to know what you think about this change.
Please tell us your views using the form at the end of the consultation document.
The deadline for comments is 7 November 2018.