Patients stock up on codeine prior to up-scheduling Anecdotal evidence suggests some patients are building up their supplies of codeine ahead of its planned up-scheduling from 1 February.
New RACGP codeine resource now available The RACGP has created a new online repository to assist GPs in addressing issues relating to the 1 February up-scheduling of codeine.
Examining the role of prescription opioids for chronic non-cancer pain With codeine up-scheduling coming from 1 February, many in the medical profession are debating the question of whether opioids should ever be used in the management of chronic non-cancer pain.
Australian Chief Medical Officer confirms strong basis for codeine up-scheduling Codeine is no better for pain relief than other over-the-counter medications, Australia’s Chief Medical Officer Professor Brendan Murphy said.
Non-medical use of pharmaceutical drugs on the rise Close to one million Australians are misusing pharmaceutical drugs, a new Australian Institute of Health and Welfare report has found.
Codeine up-scheduling may offer chances for patient education and holistic care Next year’s planned up-scheduling of over-the-counter codeine products may offer GPs a direct opportunity to provide patients with more holistic care to help address possible issues of addiction and misuse.
One of the many faces of codeine addiction Jessica Khachan lives in Sydney with her husband and two kids, who are 14 and 12, in what she describes as ‘a normal suburban household’. She is also one of the increasing number of Australians with a history of codeine addiction.
RACGP President wants states to consider patient safety in codeine up-scheduling RACGP President Dr Bastian Seidel has called on Australian health ministers to consider patients before making any decisions that will soften codeine regulations.
RACGP President says no need for further review of codeine restrictions RACGP President Dr Bastian Seidel says the time for analysis of codeine up-scheduling is over and state governments’ statements on the issue are unhelpful when they lack evidence. ‘The evidence is clear: codeine is dangerous and the current situation is leading to very severe outcomes. One hundred codeine-related deaths per year is simply unacceptable, and that’s only the tip of the iceberg,’ Dr Seidel said.
GPs criticise Pharmacy Guild on codeine rescheduling Prominent GP Dr Evan Ackermann is critical of the Pharmacy Guild’s recent action of sending a letter to Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt seeking to maintain over-the-counter access to codeine-based medications.