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Written question asked by Jim Shannon (Democratic Unionist Party) on Tuesday, 15 July 2014, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 17 July 2014. It was answered by Norman Lamb (Liberal Democrat) on Tuesday, 22 July 2014 on behalf of the Department of Health.


Botulinum Toxin

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what discussions he has had with medical authorities on the use of botox as a painkiller; and whether it is used as such in the NHS.

Answer

We have had no such discussions. Botox is not licensed in the United Kingdom for use as a painkiller.

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) published technology appraisal guidance for the National Health Service in May 2012 which recommends botulinum toxin type A as a possible treatment for preventing headaches in some adults with chronic migraine, subject to certain clinical criteria.

Patients have the right to drugs and treatments that have been recommended by NICE for use in the NHS, where their doctor believes they are clinically appropriate.


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
205769
Session
2014-15
Subjects
NHS Pain Botulinum toxin
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk