From 1 February 2018 medicines that contain low-dose codeine will not be available without prescription.

Medicines affected include codeine-containing combination analgesics, such as Panadeine, Nurofen Plus and Mersyndol, and pharmacy generic pain relief products, as well as codeine-containing cough, cold and flu products, such as Codral, Demazin and pharmacy generic cough, cold and flu medicines.

There is evidence that codeine is not effective over a long period of time and there are significant risks of dependency. Over-the-counter low-dose codeine containing products offer little additional pain relief when compared to similar medicines without codeine. While it is expected there will be a short-term increase in patient requests for codeine from GPs, this is an opportunity to start a conversation with patients to help them transition.

Training

Pain Management & Addiction Webinar Series

Western NSW PHN is conducting a webinar series for health professionals to provide a balanced focus on practical assessment, prescribing alternatives and pharmacotherapy treatment considerations for both new presentations and existing users of codeine.

Codeine use and Addiction – Presented by Dr Leon Nixon, Addiction Specialist

• 14 February, 7.00pm “ 8.30pm
• 28 February, 7.00pm “ 8.30pm

Pain Management Current Trends – Presented by Dr Amanda Johns, Pain Specialist

• 21 February, 7.00pm “ 8.30pm
• 7 March, 7.00pm “ 8.30pm

Resources

Therapeutic Goods Administration

• Codeine information hub
• Case studies of clinical presentations requesting codeine

RACGP

• Opioid dependence, management in general practice
• Prescribing drugs of dependence in general practice

NPS MedicineWise

• Answers to common patient questions about codeine rescheduling
• Dealing with drug-seeking behavior

The Drug & Alcohol Specialist Advisory Service (DASAS) “ Call 1800 023 687

Immediate advice for health professionals in NSW and ACT worried about complexities in a patient presenting to you. Regional and rural line, 24 hr service.