NPS codeine concern
October 19, 2015
NPS MedicineWise has
highlighted a recent study of
codeine-related deaths in Australia
over a ten year period, saying the
analysis has “shown some worrying
trends, with deaths related to
codeine use doubling over the
study period”.
NPS says continued vigilance is
required to help mininise harm
from codeine use, with the study
showing codeine related to about
half the number of deaths related
to S8 drugs and heroin.
“As codeine is available over
the counter, pharmacists are an
important source of information
and advice for consumers,” NPS
said, with consumer education also
seen as essential to address the
trend.
Accidental overdose was more
common than intentional death,
and almost all accidental deaths
involved mixed-drug toxicity,
with these fatalities linked to
benzodiazepines, opioids and illicit
substances as well as codeine.
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