Australians misusing painkillers Figures have shown that 75% of recent painkiller/opioid misusers in Australia reported misusing an over-the-counter codeine product in 2016. This follows recent news that drug-induced deaths in Australia are at their highest rates in almost two decades, with opioids killing more people than illicit drugs methamphetamines and heroin.
Opioids leading in drug-induced deaths Drug-related deaths in Australia are at their highest levels in the last two decades, according to figures released yesterday by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).
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.