by Deborah Condon

The Irish Medicines Board (IMB) has said that it hopes the conviction of a Limerick-based businessman for illegally selling eczema creams containing corticosteroids, will send a clear message to other offenders.

Donal Walsh (60), formerly of Ballysimon Road, Limerick, was successfully prosecuted for selling his product, Cherrydex, earlier this week. He was fined £3,000, in the first case of its kind for the IMB.

"The IMB hopes that the conviction sends a message to all those breaching medicinal legislation that we intend to take action against offenders", said Dr Frank Hallinan, chief executive of the IMB.

"This may include not just registered companies, but also their controllers and assistants and those of unregistered businesses", he added.

Dr Hallinan thanked all the individuals who provided information and assistance to the IMB during the 'long investigation' into Mr Walsh.

People purchased his product believing it to be a herbal remedy for eczema, with many buying it for their children. However the use of a steroid-containing cream can have adverse and long-term effects, if applied in uncontrolled conditions, the IMB said.