Codeine is generally safe
September 6, 2010
THE Australian Self Medication
Industry has responded to recent
concern over the safety of nonprescription
medicines containing
codeine, saying that, in general
they are safe and effective if used
appropriately.
The statement closely follows the
publication of a study in the Medical
Journal of Australia titled ‘Serious
morbidity associated with misuse
of over-the-counter codeine–
ibuprofen analgesics’ which
looked at 27 cases of patients who
had either sought treatment for
opioid addiction or were referred
to a hospital addiction service
between 2005 and 2008.
Surmising their study conclusions
the researchers said “the
significant morbidity and specific
patient characteristics associated
with overuse of codeine–ibuprofen
analgesics support further
awareness, investigation and
monitoring of OTC codeine–
ibuprofen analgesic use”.
Rebuffing industry concern over
the results, ASMI’s regulatory and
scientific affairs director, Steven
Scarff said that it was important to
keep in mind that the study was
“very small, comprising of 27
people over three years”.
“It should be remembered that
the mean dose range of those in
the study was 37 to 47 tablets per
day, with one patient taking up to
100 tablets per day.
“That level of use constitutes
gross overuse, and is far in excess
of what is recommended, and
what is typical for the majority of
consumers,” he said.
Scarff also highlighted the recent
introduction of pharmacist-only
restrictions to the sale of nonprescription
medicines containing
codeine saying that (as opposed to
when the study timeline 2005-08)
pharmacists now have the ability
to identify and engage with
consumers and problem users.
“ASMI supports calls for high
levels of awareness amongst
healthcare professionals and
pharmacy staff to identify problem
users,” he said.
“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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