Codeine Restrictions: are there a new conditions.

Gautama

A little over two years ago new codeine sales restrictions were introduced. If you were buying products containing codeine you'd get asked a number of questions, and given advice, and so on.
This went on for about a month, but for the last couple of years the person in the pharmacy just says "... you know not to take it for more that three days...".

Alas, the restrictions are back, are more restrictive, and, worryingly, are being enforced. And it's the pharmacist only that is selling them now, not the other sales assistants.

Four times in the last week I've had trouble buying Solpadeine. I had to change tactics totally. I had said, truthfully, that I always have a pack at home, just in case of ache/pain/illness. That failed twice so in the next place I said, truthfully, that I'm away for the weekend and I always bring a pack with me, just in case. That failed so in the fourth and final place I said I've a toothache. I was told that I should "get a note from my dentist". I quickly lied that "I've an appointment tomorrow". This worked.

Have further restrictions been introduced? Are pharmacists being asked to enforce the existing restrictions to the letter?

So, for anyone out there intending to get Solpadeine or Nurofen Plus, watch out.

On a related topic, is Solpadeine available in England? I'm flying thru' Stansted over the weekend, thinking I should stock up.

Clarification:
Some of the posters appear to have jumped to the conclusion that I bought Solpadeine four times in one week. I actually bought it only once, on the fourth occasion. One packet containing 12 tables, ie the smallest packet available. Had the first pharmacy sold me the Solpadeine, I would have bought it once, on the first occasion.

MarkR

No further restrictions, they have been advised to keep alert for people who may be abusing it.

kneemos

You should tackle your addiction perhaps?

Dravokivich

Fair enough, I can understand why you'd want a pack of painkillers at home for in case you start to gets aches. Better to take a painkiller sooner than later I say and ease the discomfort. But the problem is you seem to make it sound like it's part of your weekly shop. Why would you need to get so much so regularly?

recyclebin

I don't think i've ever used Solpadeine or Nurofen Plus but all these threads on AH have convinced me this stuff is magic so I think I will go out an buy some.

floggg

Yes, it's very worrying that they are taking precautions and ensuring they don't hand out drugs willy nilly.

I mean its not like codeine can be addictive, have severe side effects or is being used as a potentially lethal recreational drug.

Oh wait...

Father Damo

The only over the counter pain killer I have found works as an adult has been, believe it or not, Calpol. It is either a placebo of associating it with the sweet sugary cure for everything as a kid, or it comes about by exceeding the recommended kids dosage by three (this is not advice to be taken btw :pac:) for the odd toothache or jaw muscle pain I had a few years ago. Honestly have never felt any better taking solpadeine, lemsip or any other over counter stuff for any ailment (and even with them I normally double on the recommended dosage for added effect- if I am in pain I take the recommended dosage as nothing more than a legal disclaimer), always ended up regarding it as a waste of money. Yet Calpol always did the job even into the 20s (hve had no need for it in years thankfully)

Maybe I need to cook the solpers and shoot.

AnonoBoy

Dude you got a problem and you should totally get help for it..... *turns up music*









Meet me out back in five minutes. I'll sort you out.

Strawberry Fields

Can't believe you don't go in with the pulled a muscle lifting heavy weights in the gym line.

Anyone

Gautama wrote: »

On a related topic, is Solpadeine available in England? I'm flying thru' Stansted over the weekend, thinking I should stock up.

http://cdn.uproxx.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/pinkman-criminal.png

antodeco

The trick is to buy codeine based products that are not commonly known!

suicide_circus

antodeco wrote: »

The trick is to buy codeine based products that are not commonly known!

Such as?

Remmy

I'm not sure which chains now have a mandatory policy to not allow shop assitants to sell codeine based products. I never came across it anyway. I'm sure some might defer to the pharmacist if someone is taking the piss and trying to buy a packet every second day though.

Remmy

suicide_circus wrote: »

Such as?

Any of the generics that aren't throwing loads of money at marketing I would say.

smash

I bought 24 Nurofen Plus an hour ago and the chemist just told me not to use them for more than 2 days. I'll pick up another 24 on the way home in a different chemist :pac:

suicide_circus

What OTC medicines containing codeine are available in Ireland which are not Solpadine or Nurofen Plus?

danniemcq

took me 6 different pharmacys/chemists before i could get a pack for my cracked ribs last year.

Couldn't afford doc and had done them in before so knew there was nothing they could do for me anyway except tell me to take it easy. was refused outright in a few places and finally i got served, it was horrible as i had to walk quite a distance to each fecking place.

its just stupid, i know i know that there is a health and addiction risk but seriously nanny state do us a favour and f*ck right off

antodeco

suicide_circus wrote: »

Such as?

Jaysus, with a name like that, let me get out the list!

suicide_circus

antodeco wrote: »

Jaysus, with a name like that, let me get out the list!

Gonna answer the question?

Gautama

MarkR wrote: »

No further restrictions, they have been advised to keep alert for people who may be abusing it.

I figured that was it.

kingtiger

buy them online, much cheaper from the UK anyway

oh and get yourself some Co-Codamol, now thats a great painkiller, also very good for combating Flu symptoms

optimistic_

HAha, I think it's the look of you OP!

Seedy Arling

It's a me. Mario.

danniemcq

optimistic_ wrote: »

HAha, I think it's the look of you OP!

I thought that the first time when i walked in with a hoody etc. but then the next place i had the hoody off and was wearing a shirt and an ID badge from one of the big local companies and still nought

Gautama

Dravokivich wrote: »

Why would you need to get so much so regularly?

kneemos wrote: »

You should tackle your addiction perhaps?

Let me spell it out to you two:
The first place I went to would not sell it to me, because of the restrictions, and my honest, lame excuse.
The second place I went to would not sell it to me, because of the restrictions, and my honest, lame excuse.
The third place I went to would not sell it to me, because of the restrictions, and my honest, lame excuse.
The fourth place sold it to me.

I bought one packet of 12 tablets, which is the smallest packet available.

How can this be viewed as an "addiction" or "so much" or "so regularly"?

ebixa82

kingtiger wrote: »

buy them online, much cheaper from the UK anyway

oh and get yourself some Co-Codamol, now thats a great painkiller, also very good for combating Flu symptoms

1) It is illegal to import drugs online without a license

2) Co-Codamol is another name for Solpadeine.

Gautama

Why Solpadeine? Well, it works. If I've got a bad pain, why pump myself full of Anadin or Disprin, when I know two Solpadeine will probably relieve the pain. If they don't, then I know nothing will relieve the pain.

As for Ibuprofen, which is in most/all Nurofen, I don't feel well when I've taken this. Hard to explain, but it makes me feel uneasy and uncomfortable.

optimistic_

danniemcq wrote: »

I thought that the first time when i walked in with a hoody etc. but then the next place i had the hoody off and was wearing a shirt and an ID badge from one of the big local companies and still nought

Serious? I bought 24 Neurofen+ a few days ago, got the "You've taken these before...tried regular first...don't take for more than three days" etc. nothing harsher at all.

You must have a pill popper look about you!

Gautama

floggg wrote: »

Yes, it's very worrying that they are taking precautions and ensuring they don't hand out drugs willy nilly.

I mean its not like codeine can be addictive, have severe side effects or is being used as a potentially lethal recreational drug.

Oh wait...

But not as enjoyable of a pint of plain or a ciggy, I'm afraid.

segaBOY

Gautama wrote: »

A little over two years ago new codeine sales restrictions were introduced. If you were buying products containing codeine you'd get asked a number of questions, and given advice, and so on.
This went on for about a month, but for the last couple of years the person in the pharmacy just says "... you know not to take it for more that three days...".

Alas, the restrictions are back, are more restrictive, and, worryingly, are being enforced. And it's the pharmacist only that is selling them now, not the other sales assistants.

Four times in the last week I've had trouble buying Solpadeine. I had to change tactics totally. I had said, truthfully, that I always have a pack at home, just in case of ache/pain/illness. That failed twice so in the next place I said, truthfully, that I'm away for the weekend and I always bring a pack with me, just in case. That failed so in the fourth and final place I said I've a toothache. I was told that I should "get a note from my dentist". I quickly lied that "I've an appointment tomorrow". This worked.

Have further restrictions been introduced? Are pharmacists being asked to enforce the existing restrictions to the letter?

So, for anyone out there intending to get Solpadeine or Nurofen Plus, watch out.

On a related topic, is Solpadeine available in England? I'm flying thru' Stansted over the weekend, thinking I should stock up.

It is as simple as this. If you are using Solpadeine four times a week it is time to go to your doctor and get a prescription.

Codeine addiction is a serious problem in Ireland. You are talking about stocking up, over the counter pain medication is intended for short term use. If this is chronic pain then as stated previously it is time to go to your doctor.

Your pharmacist is trying to look out for the best interests of his/her patients, that means you. Consult a health care professional about the frequency of use of solpadeine instead of kidding yourself otherwise.


P.S. The areas I highlighted in bold shows me that you may have a codeine addiction. You need to seek help before it gets out of hand. Think of what prolonged use of these products is doing to your liver let along your mind. Take care.

ebixa82

I feel sorry for the pharmacists who have to deal with these junkies coming in looking for them.

The drugs should be sold to them without question or put on Rx.

People with addiction issues, like the OP, will get their hands on them anyways (like the OP did).

Let the people overdose on them and develop addictions. It's their body, they can do what they like. Like all drugs of potential abuse, the addict will find a way to get their fix no matter what.

segaBOY

ebixa82 wrote: »

I feel sorry for the pharmacists who have to deal with these junkies coming in looking for them.

The drugs should be sold to them without question or put on Rx.

People with addiction issues, like the OP, will get their hands on them anyways (like the OP did).

Let the people overdose on them and develop addictions. It's their body, they can do what they like. Like all drugs of potential abuse, the addict will find a way to get their fix no matter what.

It is the pharmacist's duty to look after the best interests of all patients, no matter who they are. Addicts fall into one of the most vulnerable groups. What they really need is help from the proper source.

ebixa82

segaBOY wrote: »

It is the pharmacist's duty to look after the best interests of all patients, no matter who they are. Addicts fall into one of the most vulnerable groups. What they really need is help from the proper source.

If they want help then the pharmacist is the ideal person to seek advice from as a community based primary healthcare professional. Many like the Op don't realise they have an issue and go making up stories to get their hands on a box.

Put them on prescription and the problem is solved. This might seem harsh but unfortunately it is always the way that the actions of a minority make things hard for the majority. For the same reason you can't buy drink in an off licence after 10pm.

Codeine and alcohol are both addictive drugs commonly abused.

cgarrad

Get Tylex, Solpadeine contain caffine that wont let you sleep/sleep poorly.

3 Tylex will knock you out for 2 hours and kill even the worst hangover.

planetX

I stock up on Solpadeine max every time I go to the uk - they don't treat you like an idiot child over there. Like the OP, I like to have some on hand for when it's needed. Paracetamol on its own is a waste of time when you're in pain. So some people get addicted - let people take responsibility for themselves.

username123

What you have to do is pick 4 different pharmacies to frequent.

Once a week, into a pharmacy, dying with period pains, only solphadeine works, following week, a different pharmacy, same story etc...

Then you have 4 different pharmacies thinking you buy a pack of solphadeine once a month for your period pains and thats a perfectly legit excuse to get them.

Hate the bloody things myself, make me feel very nauseous. But if you cant take ibuprofen or aspirin - like me, then sometimes you got to get something stronger than plain paracetmol.

segaBOY

ebixa82 wrote: »

If they want help then the pharmacist is the ideal person to seek advice from as a community based primary healthcare professional. Many like the Op don't realise they have an issue and go making up stories to get their hands on a box.

Put them on prescription and the problem is solved. This might seem harsh but unfortunately it is always the way that the actions of a minority make things hard for the majority. For the same reason you can't buy drink in an off licence after 10pm.

Codeine and alcohol are both addictive drugs commonly abused.

True. (S)he should consult the pharmacist and many of these addicts need to be sent for appointments with their GP and further referral addiction specialists. Simple as that.

However, putting them on a prescription doesn't solve everything-look at benzo abuse in Ireland. But I see where you are coming from, it will certainly make abuse less common for people not already hooked on codeine.

segaBOY

username123 wrote: »

Hate the bloody things myself, make me feel very nauseous. But if you cant take ibuprofen or aspirin - like me, then sometimes you got to get something stronger than plain paracetmol.

So basically you are advocating that people lie to their pharmacist to get their hands on potentially very addictive medication?

kneemos

Gautama wrote: »

Let me spell it out to you two f88ktards:
The first place I went to would not sell it to me, because of the restrictions, and my honest, lame excuse.
The second place I went to would not sell it to me, because of the restrictions, and my honest, lame excuse.
The third place I went to would not sell it to me, because of the restrictions, and my honest, lame excuse.
The fourth place sold it to me.

I bought one packet of 12 tablets, which is the smallest packet available.

How can this be viewed as an "addiction" or "so much" or "so regularly"?

I'll quote your post "for the last couple of years the person in the pharmacy just says you know not to take it for more than a couple of days"nough said.

ElleEm

I thought they weren't allowed to refuse to sell them to you. I thought you just got the third degree and went on your way.

I usually send my boyfriend to the chemist for them where he says I (me, not him!!) have period pain, and there are never any issues. He needed Neurofen+ recently for tooth pain and couldn't believe the interrogation he got!

ebixa82

cgarrad wrote: »

Get Tylex, Solpadeine contain caffine that wont let you sleep/sleep poorly.

3 Tylex will knock you out for 2 hours and kill even the worst hangover.

Tylex is prescription only and taking three is exceeding the normal dosage.

username123 wrote: »

What you have to do is pick 4 different pharmacies to frequent.

Once a week, into a pharmacy, dying with period pains, only solphadeine works, following week, a different pharmacy, same story etc...

Then you have 4 different pharmacies thinking you buy a pack of solphadeine once a month for your period pains and thats a perfectly legit excuse to get them.

Hate the bloody things myself, make me feel very nauseous. But if you cant take ibuprofen or aspirin - like me, then sometimes you got to get something stronger than plain paracetmol.

You are an addict and need help asap.

username123

segaBOY wrote: »

So basically you are advocating that people lie to their pharmacist to get their hands on potentially very addictive medication?

Of course - how else do you expect people to get them? When you tell the truth they wont give them to you. There is no point in waiting til you are in pain to go get the painkillers - and your pain might not arrive while the pharmacy is conveniently open. If I ignore period pain I end up triggering my irritable bowel and then its back to the doctor, cost I dont need. And I can assure you, 2 paracetmol do nothing for period pain.

ebixa82

ElleEm wrote: »

I thought they weren't allowed to refuse to sell them to you. I thought you just got the third degree and went on your way.

I usually send my boyfriend to the chemist for them where he says I (me, not him!!) have period pain, and there are never any issues. He needed Neurofen+ recently for tooth pain and couldn't believe the interrogation he got!

A pharmacy can refuse to sell anything they want to you as long as it is not discriminatory. This includes shampoo and toothpaste.

username123

ebixa82 wrote: »

You are an addict and need help asap.

Why so? I personally only use about a pack of solphadeine in a year because as stated, they make me nauseous. So its times of need only. I was advising the OP on how to get them more easily though. This is the problem, you talk about them and people think youre an addict.

floggg

Gautama wrote: »

But not as enjoyable of a pint of plain or a ciggy, I'm afraid.

I don't know. Hip-hop has told me done wonderful things about lean (http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Purple_drank).

And if you can't trust guys like Pimp C or Three Six Mafia, who can you trust?

R.I.P. Pimp C.

Gautama

segaBOY wrote: »

It is as simple as this. If you are using Solpadeine four times a week it is time to go to your doctor and get a prescription.

I don't use Solpadeine four times a week, do you?
I last used it a few weeks ago.

The first place I went to would not sell it to me, because of the restrictions, and my honest, lame excuse.
The second place I went to would not sell it to me, because of the restrictions, and my honest, lame excuse.
The third place I went to would not sell it to me, because of the restrictions, and my honest, lame excuse.
The fourth place sold it to me.

I bought one packet of 12 tablets, which is the smallest packet available.

kingtiger

ebixa82 wrote: »

1) It is illegal to import drugs online without a license

2) Co-Codamol is another name for Solpadeine.

Co-Codamol is Solpadeine Max but cheaper

I know its illegal to import prescription drugs, never had a problem with non perscription and I have been buying from the UK for years with no problems

any chance you could backup your statement thats its illegal to import non prescription drugs?

Gautama

Given the Joe Duffy-esq sensationalism, maybe I should clarify even further. This is a true story:
I was in SuperValu today and I wanted coriander. They had no delivery of coriander this morning therefore they didn't have any. Later I went to Tesco and I bought coriander.
The truth: I bought coriander once in one day.
The incorrect sensationalism: I bought coriander twice in one day.

As they say in the USA: dodemaf.

The restrictions are there for a reason.

Too many people are giving advice on how to circumvent the controlls put in place, so I'm going to close this thread.