Codeine phosphate is a mild to moderate painkiller related to morphine, that has a weak cough suppressant activity. It is often found in combination with other painkillers e.g. paracetamol or ibuprofen. Taking codeine containing painkillers for longer than 3 days or in doses higher than are recommended can cause tolerance and addiction/dependence, as well as increasing the risk of other side effects.

Guidelines:

(The Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland has introduced new guidelines on the non-prescription sales of Codeine containing products, effective August 1st 2010).

PSI Codeine Guidelines

Codeine should not be used for longer than 3 days without medical supervision and you should never exceed the recommended dosage.

·          For pain relief, single ingredient products e.g. paracetamol, aspirin or ibuprofen, should be used first. Codeine containing products should only be used as ‘second-line’ products when the above have been ineffective.

·          Codeine containing products will no longer be on display in pharmacies.

·          Before selling Codeine containing products we must establish if it is the most suitable product for you and the pharmacist will be consulted for every sale.

Risks:

·          As well as the risk of addiction/dependence, common side-effects of Codeine include nausea, constipation, dizziness and drowsiness (which may impair the ability to drive safely).

·          Because these products also contain other drugs e.g. paracetamol & ibuprofen you are also exposed to other major side-effects such as irreversible liver failure, stomach ulcers and kidney problems if you exceed the recommended dosage.

Rebound Headaches:

Prolonged use of headache medication can actually cause headaches. These are known as ‘Rebound Headaches’ or ‘Medication Overuse Headaches’. These headaches can be very severe and will only stop if the painkiller is discontinued. If you suffer these, you should discuss it with your doctor who will be able to help you.

Facts about Pain:

Long term pain can affect your quality of life. Ask yourself:

·          Do you need to take this painkiller continuously for more than 3 days?

·          Do you have low moods?

·          Do you suffer from a lack of sleep?

·          Are you tired and irritable often?

·          Do you find it difficult to concentrate?

·          Does the pain make it difficult for you to exercise?

If you answer “yes” to any of these questions then you should talk to your doctor about managing your symptoms.

Alternatives to Painkillers:

You may not always need painkillers to relieve pain. Discuss alternatives such as heat patches, ointments/gels, support bandages or a tens machine with your pharmacist.

Addiction/Dependence:

How do I know if I could be addicted? Ask yourself:

·          Do you feel the need to take a Codeine containing product for longer than 3 days?

·          Do you find yourself buying more and more painkillers?

·          Do you feel very unwell when you stop taking a Codeine product (e.g aches pains, shivers and flu-like symptoms), but feel better if you start again?

·          Do you use more than one pharmacy for your purchases?

·          Do you take painkillers to relax you or keep you calm?

·          Do you watch the clock until it’s time to take your next dose?

If you have answered “yes” to any of these questions, you may have developed a dependency on Codeine containing painkillers. Because it is available without prescription people often underestimate how addictive Codeine can be, and how hard it can be to quit. You are not alone. Thousands of people start taking pain relievers for genuine reasons and find it spiralling out of control. There is non-judgemental help available. Contacting your GP is your first step.

Becoming Codeine Free 

Codeine Free Guidelines

If you require any further information please speak to one of our pharmacists, Codeine containing products include: Solpadeine^®, Nurofen Plus^®, Panadeine^®, Feminax^®, Migraleve^®, Codis^®, Veganin Plus^®, Uniflu Plus^®, Maxilief^®, Syndol^®. Codinex^®, Benylin with Codeine^®.