ASMI on codeine warning
December 3, 2010
NON-prescription medicines
containing codeine are safe when
used in accordance with labelling
instructions, according to The
Australian Self Medication Industry.
The comments come in response
to a comment made by by Dr Claire
Tobin from the School of Public
Health and Preventative Medicine
at Monash University, in which she
suggested that analgesics
containing codeine should carry
stronger labelling advice due to
their addictive potential.
“Since May this year, access to
medicines containing codeine has
been made more restrictive to
reduce the risk of inappropriate
use,” said ASMI Regulatory and
Scientific Affairs Director, Steven
Scarff.
“Products containing codeine are
now only available behind the
counter in pharmacies, and
purchase requires the personal
intervention of a pharmacist.
“That places pharmacists in a
good position to engage with
consumers about the correct use
and potential risks associated with
these products,” he added.
Scarff also welcomed an open
discussion on the public health
and safety issues surrounding the
labelling of medicines with
potentially addictive profiles.
“[ASMI] looks forward to seeing
and reviewing the data behind Dr
Tobin’s comments.
“We also support high levels of
awareness amongst healthcare
professionals and pharmacy staff
to identify misuse.
“Consumers should be reminded
to follow the label instructions and
to talk to their GP or pharmacist if
their pain persists,” he added.
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