From my real-life practice this week: “What’s the HPRA?”

5 Things every patient and family should Know:

1. You may have heard of FDA – but they are in the US, not here. “FDA approved!” claims to market a product – even in the US – can sometimes misleading but definitely have no meaning here.
2. Medicines and Medical devices in Ireland are looked after by @hpra_ireland To learn more, check out their website! But their scope doesn’t include supplements.
3. Food Safety is looked after by @fsaiinfo
4. Allied health professionals are regulated by CORU, this includes dietitians, OT, and chartered physiotherapists. Your allied health professionals through public services will always be registered. Always check the registration and qualification when booking private services — this is extra, extra, extra important for children!

5. And if you follow me at all, you already know this: Most health supplements (even those promoted by health care professionals!) for sale in high street shops are not regulated by the HPRA but instead by the FSAI! That is because they are classed as food stuffs. This is really important to know because when considering the health claims on the packaging – and especially the very misleading claims made about many products on social media! FSAI website has great info to help you be a savvy consumer.

If you have a health condition and expect a product, device, or service to treat a health condition – especially if you are on a limited budget – you have the right to know who is making sure the product or service is safe, effective, and meets a standard of care.

HPRA, FSAI, and CORU all have website where you can learn more.