Low-dose codeine

 As from February 1st low-dose codeine will no longer be available as an over-the-counter product in pharmacies.

This law has been a long time coming.   It has been discussed in media articles for many years and in 2009 a national pain conference was convened in Melbourne to address the matter.

Patients may become hooked on painkillers following surgery when opiate-based pills are prescribed to deal with chronic pain.  The increase in pain-killer use has become apparent in hospital emergency departments; patients looking for relief will present in emergency departments when all other avenues have been exhausted.

While Schedule 8 substances, such as oxycodone, require a permit before prescription, it is still possible to buy over-the-counter products which contain lesser amounts of codeine.  It is here, with these drugs, that problems arise with constant use. Unbeknownst to many users, these lower dose pharmaceuticals have a half-life; when some-one takes another pill to alleviate the pain it may cause a build-up in their system and the risk of overdose.

After political debate and discussion, the incumbent Federal government has finally brought in legislation to prevent misuse of over-the-counter drugs.  This has sparked much debate about the cost of consulting a doctor to obtain a prescription but it is now up to pharmacists to advise on suitable replacement drugs with their customers.

As an occasional user of low dose codeine drugs, I went along to the pharmacy today to be sure I had a packet of my drug of choice on hand. All the medications to be withdrawn were sitting up on a shelf behind the counter and there were only a few packets left.  I don’t think I am the only person with this mission in mind.

No, there will not be a stash of drugs in the dungeon at the Trash Palace, just a standby packet on the medicine shelf. After that, if I need more, I will be asking my GP for a prescription.