BEECHAMS Pills, which were first produced in St Helens156 years ago, have come to the end of the line.

SmithKline Beecham has decided to discontinue the pills, a natural Aloin laxative, with "immediate effect".

First marketed in 1842, Beechams Pills laxative was one of Beecham's founder brands. And the decision to discontinue the product is part of a company-wide process to "reduce product line complexity and concentrate investment on core brands."

SmithKline Beecham still remains a UK leader in the area of gastro-intestinal products with a wide range of household name brands, such as Tums, Andrews Salts, Milk of Magnesia and Eno's (another early brand).

Existing stocks of Beechams Pills will continue to be sold until supplies are exhausted and subject to expiry dates. For members of the public who normally use Beechams Pill, Milk of Magnesia is recommended as an alternative.

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