Potent codeine-based pain relievers became harder to buy from this weekend, in a move to crack down on a "small population" using the drugs to get high.
Changes to the scheduling of codeine-containing analgesics took effect on May 1, and essentially it means those buying the drugs will have to convince a pharmacist or GP that they need them.
Commenting on the changes, Dr Geraldine Moses warned the move would require some adjustment among the majority of consumers who used the drugs safely in accordance with the directions.
"The vast majority of consumers are legitimate users," said Dr Moses, who is a senior drug information pharmacist at Brisbane's Mater Hospital.
"It's only with time it became recognised there was a small population who abused these drugs ... those naughty people who want to use these drugs to try to get high.
"And giving themselves dreadful side-effects from the ingredients that are carried along with the codeine."
Using codeine-containing drugs in excessive amounts can lead to addiction and problems, including stomach ulcers or liver damage.
Among Drugs included in the change are Nurofen Plus, Panadeine and Mersyndol along with those generic brands which also combine codeine with, typically, ibuprofen or paracetamol.
Pain relievers which contain less than 12 milligrams of codeine are now kept behind the pharmacist's counter while previously they were offered for general sale in the shopping aisle.
People seeking these medications must now ask the pharmacist who, ultimately, can decide not to provide them.
Drugs with more than 12 milligrams of codeine - previously kept behind the counter - are now only available with a prescription.
Further restrictions were also imposed to reduce the bulk purchase of codeine-containing pills.
Nurofen Plus, for example, is now available behind the counter in packs of up to 30 tablets but only a GP can prescribe packs of up to 72 tablets.
Dr Moses said people wanting to buy the pain relievers at a pharmacy should go outside of busy times and consider booking ahead, to ensure they could speak to the pharmacist.
"It certainly will have a big impact on a pharmacist's work schedule because they are very commonly used medicines," Dr Moses said.
"You can't buy any codeine-containing pain reliever from the shop assistant from May 1."
Dr Moses said the changes would cut down on abuse, but also ensure those people who used the drugs to manage chronic pain were in more regular contact with their GP.
The National Drugs and Poisons Schedule Committee formulated the changes during meetings in June and October last year.
I don't really have a voilent reaction to this as neither in my family uses it (that I know of). I actually like that they make a new rule on this. I've seen enough raid of the residences and private property manufacturing ice and any other addictive drug. I really think that if you are in a certain recurring pain illness, you should get proper help (that way, you don't get addicted to drugs that might not be fitting to your illness).
OT: So much for my research on
Minka Aire, I stumbled on different topic and here I am sharing it here.
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