Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, when he plans to reach a final conclusion on the effect on veterans' health of the issuing of Larium to them while they were in the Armed Forces.

Mefloquine (commercially known as Lariam) is effective in the prevention and treatment of malaria and is licensed for use by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency, which regulates medication in the UK. The current product information for mefloquine states that neuropsychiatric adverse reactions may occur during treatment and includes warnings and precautions to minimise these risks. It also states that such adverse reactions may persist for months, or longer, even after discontinuation of the drug. It has not been established, however, that such adverse reactions may be permanent.

Notwithstanding, in September 2016, the Ministry of Defence (MOD) established the mefloquine Single Point of Contact (SPOC) email and telephone line, for both current and former Service personnel who have concerns about their experience of mefloquine. Up to 15 January 2019, the mefloquine SPOC has received the following number of enquiries.

Individuals can be referred to the SPOC in a number of different ways, including by Service charities. The MOD does not maintain a record of all such referrals.