Intended for healthcare professionals

Rapid response to:

Papers

Effects of legislation restricting pack sizes of paracetamol and salicylate on self poisoning in the United Kingdom: before and after study

BMJ 2001; 322 doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.322.7296.1203 (Published 19 May 2001) Cite this as: BMJ 2001;322:1203

Rapid Response:

Suicide rates

To conclude that there has been a beneficial effect on suicide rates,
surely rate of suicide by self-harm or other drug overdose has to be
assessed? One would think that a patient intent on suicide would find
some other way of achieving their objective.

While I agree with the logic of reducing pack sizes for any toxic
drugs, I don't think that any assumption can be made with regard to
suicide rates in the wake of this legislation.

Competing interests: none.

Competing interests: No competing interests

19 May 2001
Annette Weir
student