WHILE the 01 Feb 2018 rescheduling of products containing codeine has been on the radar of pharmacists, prescribers and industry stakeholders for more than 12 months, public awareness of the matter and its implications is only now ramping up, with mainstream media highlighting the changes in a number of festive season stories.
Pharmacists can expect a stronger influx of concerned patients who take these products regularly, following media reports of dire consequences and fears of not being able to manage their pain without a visit to their less accessible GP.
Half page articles and snippet comments are appearing more regularly as each commentator takes up the gauntlet to add their spin, but the end result is usually a reference to consulting "your pharmacist" and/or GP, creating an anticipated wave of inquiries during Jan and Feb this year.
Both the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia and the Pharmacy Guild of Australia have been working with the Federal Government to develop and deliver training programs for pharmacists and pharmacy assistants (PD 04 Sep 17) to help them manage through the transition.
The above article was sent to subscribers in Pharmacy Daily's issue from 02 Jan 18
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