If I could make a comment, I would urge caution here. We have to be careful not to blow things out of proportion without good reason. As long as information is provided appropriately, some drugs can be available freely over the counter. Obviously, it is important to educate the public, it is important to have awareness-raising campaigns and to underscore the importance of not exceeding the recommended dose. It is not the product itself that is dangerous, it is the amount that people take. No drug — be it non-prescription, pharmacy-only sale, or prescription — is without risk if the patient does not follow the instructions or fails to take the recommended dose. This is something that the general public has to understand.
We have a message to communicate. We cannot be negligent, it is imperative that the public receive the right information and that they are educated. Adverse effects frighten people. People have to be aware that they exist, they have to be educated, but they must also be reassured. What is important is how we can empower people.
Health Canada gets information after the horse has bolted, but at any rate, I think that there is a general realization that the department has no authority and, hence, no power to act. In what is, I would imagine, an attempt to show good faith, manufacturers withdraw their product from the market even before an official recommendation has been made. That probably explains why the general public is informed ahead of health care professionals. I think that Health Canada should be the first to be informed and should then immediately notify health care professionals.
Professional associations in Quebec, and in other provinces as well, I would imagine, post information on the Internet to facilitate quick access. Furthermore, when a product is considered dangerous, a fax is sent to all Quebec pharmacists. If we have the information in time, it will be delivered in time, but we have to have the information. At the moment, there is no feedback. I think that that is one of the shortcomings.