Crackdown on codeine manageable

By Ashleigh Fielding | posted on February 1, 2018

THE difficulty of going ‘cold turkey’ following today’s removal of off-the-shelf codeine-based medications can be managed, according to an Albany pharmacist.

Terry White Chemmart Chester Pass pharmacist Brad Smithson said he sees around two dozen people each day coming in-store to purchase codeine medication, mainly for pain relief, and said addictions to codeine often started from customers’ continual use of the opioid drug after it had served its purpose.

“It can be a good option in the short-term, for migraines for example,” Mr Smithson said.

“However, some people might just not know there are other options for pain relief.

“I’m quite excited about these changes, because it opens up conversations with people to talk about treatment, and gives the opportunity to treat them with something better.”

Mr Smithson acknowledged the difficulty people may now face with the codeine access restriction, but said there is help for those who need it.

“It is going to be difficult for people to go ‘cold turkey’,” he said.

“But we can help people taper their codeine use, such as by gradually replacing it with paracetamol.

“We have some excellent GPs in town and there are many options available for pain relief, so there should be a positive outcome for everyone.”

As of today, consumers will no longer be able to purchase medications containing codeine, unless they have a prescription from a doctor.

Popular medications affected include Nurofen Plus, Panadeine, Codral and Mersyndol, commonly used for pain, cold and flu relief.

The limitations on codeine access follow a study by the Faculty of Pain Medicine, which found a significant mis-use of codeine has led to almost half a million Australians incorrectly using the painkiller.

Australian Chief Medical Officer Professor Brendan Murphy said there is compelling evidence of harm caused by overuse and abuse of over-the-counter, codeine-containing medicines.

“There are numerous studies showing that codeine is not the miracle pain relief drug people think it is,” he said.

“In fact, according to research by the Faculty of Pain Medicine, paracetamol and anti-inflammatory medications, alone or in combination, are adequate over-the-counter preparations for most types of acute pain occurring in a community setting.

“For more complex acute or chronic pain, medical input is warranted, and so it is essential that a person sees a GP.”