In reply: We welcome McAvoy and Tobin’s support of our recommendation that over-the-counter (OTC) codeine combination analgesics be available as prescription only. These products are the only narcotic analgesics available without prescription. Hundreds of people in Australia and New Zealand have now been treated for addiction to OTC codeine combination analgesics or the often life-threatening non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug injury caused by the high-dose ibuprofen secondary to codeine addiction.1,2
The full article is accessible to AMA members and paid subscribers. Login to read more or purchase a subscription now.
Please note: institutional and Research4Life access to the MJA is now provided through Wiley Online Library.
- 1. Frei MY, Nielsen S, Dobbin MD, Tobin CL. Serious morbidity associated with misuse of over-the-counter codeine–ibuprofen analgesics: a series of 27 cases. Med J Aust 2010; 193: 294-296. <MJA full text>
- 2. Storor D. National pharmaceutical drug misuse strategy [letter to National Centre for Education and Training on Addiction]. http://nceta.flinders. edu.au/files/7713/1423/8823/Damascus%20 Health%20Services%20web%20version.pdf (accessed Oct 2013).
- 3. Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency. MHRA public assessment report: codeine and dihydrocodeine-containing medicines: minimising the risk of addiction. http://www. mhra.gov.uk/home/groups/pl-p/documents/websiteresources/con057317.pdf (accessed Sep 2013).
- 4. Nielsen S, Cameron J, Pahoki S. Final report 2010. Over the counter codeine dependence. Melbourne: Turning Point Alcohol and Drug Centre, 2010. http://atdc.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/OTC_CODEINE_REPORT.pdf (accessed Jan 2014).
- 5. O’Donoghue N. Codeine road-trips demand Project STOP scheme. Pharmacy News 2012; Jan 11. http://www.pharmacynews.com.au/getmedia/51d4bf69-4f3a-45df-990f-48dd496e68a3/PN20120111.aspx?ext=.pdf (accessed Oct 2013).
No relevant disclosures.