Resources to help support GPs and their patients
Pain management is a core general practitioner skill. But the complex (and sometimes controversial) nature of pain, particularly the management of chronic pain, can push the limits of this skill. Drug therapies will only ever have a partial role in managing complex biopsychosocial issues that characterise pain management. In the modern health environment, we must explore and use non-drug therapies, and redefine the place for existing medications.
The upscheduling of codeine to prescription only in 2018 has provided the opportunity for GPs to:
- talk to their patients about managing their pain more effectively and safely;
- provide help and support for patients with addiction issues;
- develop an appropriate management plan that can be reviewed on a regular basis.
In June 2020, changes were made to reduce the pack sizes of opioid medications that can be prescribed, for both first and second line listings, in short and long-term pain settings. This is to help reduce harms and side effects that may result from opioid medication, while still ensuring access for those who require opioids as part of their pain management.
We have compiled a list of available resources to help support you, your practice, and your patients with these changes.
2020 amendments
Prescription opioids: information for consumers, patients and carers: Therapeutic Goods Administration
2018 upscheduling changes
Medicines with codeine – what you need to know: NPS Medicinewise
Over-the-counter codeine: changes to supply: NPS Medicinewise
Patient resources available in English, easy English (with pictures), Arabic, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, French, Greek, Hindi, Italian, Korean and Spanish.
General information for patients
Opioids: Healthdirect
Codeine: Healthdirect
Pain and pain management – adults: Better Health Channel
Codeine information hub: Codeine use can be harmful: Therapeutic Goods Administration
Codeine information hub: How and where to get advice: Therapeutic Goods Administration
Codeine information hub: chronic pain management video resource: Therapeutic Goods Administration
Community toolkit (for patients): Scriptwise
Information for consumers having difficulty ceasing their over the counter codeine medications: Drug and Alcohol Services South Australia
Pharmaceuticals: Alcohol and Drug Foundation
Help and support: Alcohol and Drug Foundation
All state and territory health authorities have 24–hour telephone access to assist drug and alcohol queries.
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State/terrritory
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Legislative framework
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24-hour clinical advisory services
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Australian Capital Territory
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Pharmaceutical Services Section,
ACT Health – 02 6205 0998
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Drug and Alcohol Clinical Advisory Service – 02 5124 9977
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New South Wales
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Pharmaceutical Services Unit,
NSW Health – 02 9391 9944
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Drug and Alcohol Specialist Advisory Service – (02) 8382 1006 (Sydney)
1800 023 687 (rural)
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Northern Territory
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Poisons Control Unit,
Department of Health – 08 8922 7341
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Drug and Alcohol Clinical Advisory Service – 1800 111 092
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Queensland
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Healthcare Approval and Regulation Unit,
Queensland Health – (07) 3708 5264
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Alcohol and Drug Information Service – 1800 177 833 (to be put through to Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs for clinical advice)
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South Australia
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Drugs of Dependence Unit,
SA Health – 1300 652 584
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Drug and Alcohol Clinical Advisory Service – 08 7087 1742
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Tasmania
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Pharmaceutical Services Branch,
Department of Health and Human Services – 03 6166 0400
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Drug and Alcohol Clinical Advisory Service – 1800 630 093
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Victoria
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Drugs and Poisons Regulation,
Department of Human Services – 1300 364 545
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Drug and Alcohol Clinical Advisory Service – 1800 812 804
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Western Australia
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Pharmaceutical Services Branch,
Department of Health – 08 9222 6883
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Clinical Advisory Service – 08 9442 5042
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