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End of over the counter sale of codeine.

  • 27-07-2010 11:28am
    #1
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 124 ✭✭


    Hi,

    I'm not sure if this is the correct area for this question, but it seemed the most relevant.

    I was told the other day by a cashier in Boots that the sale of codeine over the counter will cease on August 4th 2010. It will only be available with prescription. However, I have not been advised of this by any other cashier or chemist since or before. I have chronic back problems and have been using Neurofen Plus for the pain (as normal analgesics have not proved very effective), so I'm relying on this drug to be available over the counter.

    Was just wondering if this is true and if so where would I be able to find out more. Have tried googling it but haven't found much more than a few articles on codeine abuse. :confused:


Comments

  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 532 ✭✭✭zac8


    my wife got the same info from a cashier in boots but they're wrong. they will ask you why you need the painkillers and if they are satisfied that you need them then they will supply them to you.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,881 ✭✭✭Kurtosis


    The new guidance that is coming into effect on August 1st with relation to codeine-containing OTC medicines can be found here. Technically there is no actual change in any of the regulations regarding such medicines, though due to the PSI's interpretation of "self selection", these products will not be on display and will be stored out of sight. In practice, these guidelines are supposed to involve the pharmacist more in the supply of these medicines, ensuring their use is appropriate and that those purchasing are made aware of important information about these products.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,143 ✭✭✭locum-motion


    Penguin is correct.

    OP: you really need to see your doctor if you have a chronic ("chronic" by the way, means "long term" and not "bad" as many people seem to think) pain that ordinary, non-codeine-containing OTC painkillers cannot manage. There are plenty of other (prescription only) treatment options that don't involve the risk of tolerance and dependance that come with your Nurofen Plus.
    With respect, you are precisely the type of purchaser that these new guidelines are designed to identify, so that you can be pointed towards a more appropriate treatment.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 375 ✭✭Laydee


    My mother goes through a 24 box a week, sometimes more. I've tried talking to her about it but she is adamant that cigarettes & alcohol are worse refuses to see anything wrong. I am delighted that she will be questioned in future because she hates confrontation & might not even ask.
    She said she'll pop up north for them though & she's already started building up a bulk so that she won't need them for a while. :(


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 535 ✭✭✭bob50


    Laydee wrote: »
    My mother goes through a 24 box a week, sometimes more. I've tried talking to her about it but she is adamant that cigarettes & alcohol are worse refuses to see anything wrong. I am delighted that she will be questioned in future because she hates confrontation & might not even ask.
    She said she'll pop up north for them though & she's already started building up a bulk so that she won't need them for a while. :(


    Yeah i know people are bulk buying up lots of solpadeine before next week


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  • Closed Accounts Posts: 3 SGme


    See, but that's the point of all of this! It surprises me that instead of people thinking: "Oh! This must not be very good for me then...if my pharmacist tells me that I should try to substitute it for something else, it means something is really not right". As a pharmacist, I am surprised that all people think is: "Geez, I'll have to buy loads now everytime I go up North", I mean when I go to the doctor and he tells me: "If I were you I wouldn't do/take/use" whatever, I would think at least a bit on what he said!...


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 32,634 ✭✭✭✭Graces7


    The problem is that pain is pain and is draining; finding something that will help is a need for many.

    And drs will often simply prescribe what we have been buying anyways. That has been my experience. We know the dependency risk; it is worth it for the pain relief.

    I take Tylex on prescription from my GP. For pain; it is the only thing that helps.

    It is a choice we make, an informed choice.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,401 ✭✭✭Nonoperational


    Unfortunately a lot of people that have a codeine addiction no longer suffer from physical pain but are dependant on the drug. For me the bigger problem with these people is that they end up taking overdoses of ibuprofen and paracetamol trying to get adequate codeine from OTC products.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 11,001 ✭✭✭✭opinion guy


    Or they turn to selfmedication with alcohol and coffee (coffee also has analgsiec effects)
    I wonder how much alcholicsm is brought about by the need for pain relief


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,292 ✭✭✭0lddog


    Graces7 wrote: »
    ..............I take Tylex on prescription from my GP. For pain; it is the only thing that helps................

    I'll drink to that ( pass the grapefruit juice :rolleyes: )

    Tylex is your only man for those in the business of real pain


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