The Medicines & Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has decided to restrict the pack size of all loperamide-containing OTC (over-the-counter) products in an effort to reduce intentional misuse and abuse of loperamide. This includes both those sold in general sales list (GSL) and those sold under the supervision of a pharmacist (P).
To comply with new guidance from the MHRA, we have changed the availability of some IMODIUM® pack sizes. This means your customer will now need to purchase IMODIUM® 12 packs from a pharmacist, rather than directly from the shelf. IMODIUM® 18 packs are no longer available. IMODIUM® 6 packs will remain available to buy on shelves as normal.
Millions of consumers have relied on over-the-counter (OTC) medicines containing loperamide, like IMODIUM®, to treat symptoms of diarrhoea quickly and discreetly for the last 40 years. IMODIUM® has always contained loperamide and the changes to IMODIUM® packs do not change the safety profile of the product. IMODIUM® is approved by the MHRA and when used as directed, is an effective way to treat the symptoms of diarrhoea and has a well-established safety profile.
As with any medicine, abuse or misuse can lead to serious side effects, so please continue to advise your customers to always read and follow the patient information leaflet before taking the medication.
We have developed useful resources to aid conversations with customers about the changes to our range, and produced new in-store point-of-sale materials to inform customers directly. If you'd like to receive specific materials, please contact your local sales representative. Digital resources are available here: