Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment his Department has made of the long-term impacts of the use of (a) benzodiazepines and (b) other opioids on children.

In 2019, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) reviewed the benefits and risks of opioids in the treatment of non-cancer pain in adults and children, including the information available to patients, carers and healthcare professionals on the risk of dependence and addiction following long-term use. The review concluded that with long-term use of longer than three months, patients of all ages became tolerant and treatment was less effective. Adolescents may be more at risk of addiction than younger children. Evidence on the benefit and safety of opioids in the treatment of non-cancer pain is mainly derived from adult clinical studies with little evidence derived from children.

Following the outcome of the review, product information was updated to ensure consistent guidance on dependence and addiction, potential signs and symptoms and recognition of withdrawal reactions. A requirement was put in place for a planned discussion between patient and doctor on ceasing treatment and in September 2020, an article for healthcare professionals and an updated patient information leaflet was published with guidance concerning the risks of dependence and addiction.

Additional measures have been implemented to provide information on the risks of breathing problems following the use of opioids in children. Safety measures for babies and children following exposure to opioids and benzodiazepines during pregnancy, are recommended. The MHRA intends to undertake a further review into dependency and addiction to benzodiazepines and continuously monitors safety through its routine pharmacovigilance activities to ensure that the benefits of these medicines outweigh the risks.