What do you think about the new possible restrictions on codeine sales?

[PinkGlitter]

I personally am not sure if pack size restriction is going to help although I do know of some pharmacies (not mine) that regularly sell 100 effervescent co-codamol. This should definitely be stopped.

[JonF]

Why should it be stopped??

[jaymags]

It hasn't worked with restiction on quantity of paracetamol so it won't work with codeine.
I went into a pound shop a while back and saw three packs of 16 paracetamol for, you've got it a pound. There was a sale restriction though only three packs per customer.
The supermarkets only let you buy one pack of 16 per person.

[PinkGlitter]

Why should it be stopped??

Because when selling OTC it is only recommended for a maximum of 3 days due to possibility of addiction. Selling 100 sends out the wrong message, 32 is adequate. If they need it frequently then they should get a prescription then at least the GP can assess how often they are requesting it. If people pay for their prescription then I agree it should be sold OTC but the prescription should be retained by the pharmacy and shredded so it can't be used more than once.

[PinkGlitter]

It hasn't worked with restiction on quantity of paracetamol so it won't work with codeine.
I went into a pound shop a while back and saw three packs of 16 paracetamol for, you've got it a pound. There was a sale restriction though only three packs per customer.
The supermarkets only let you buy one pack of 16 per person.

The restrictions have been proven to reduce suicide rates though. If the number of people addicted to codeine were also reduced that can only be a good thing.

[lamzee]

We have to remember that we are here to assist the public, not to police them ! If someone wants 100 co-codamol eff and they don't have a dependency problem, and we advise them accordingly that they shouldn't use them for more than x days at a time, and we are happy that they wont, then why should we deny them the right to make an informed choice?

[PinkGlitter]

We have to remember that we are here to assist the public, not to police them ! If someone wants 100 co-codamol eff and they don't have a dependency problem, and we advise them accordingly that they shouldn't use them for more than x days at a time, and we are happy that they wont, then why should we deny them the right to make an informed choice?

When you have come across as many codeine addicts as I have, anything which helps me monitor it better (ie. they will have to come in more often) will be of benefit. There is a reason why it's not available in the USA. I don't think we need to go that far however.

[jaymags]

The restrictions have been proven to reduce suicide rates though. If the number of people addicted to codeine were also reduced that can only be a good thing.

If someone is intent on suicide then they will do it by whatever means.
Codeine addicts will also get their fix by whatever means.

[Pharmanaut]

Informed patients are the way to go.
Advertising medicines should be more strictly controlled.
The slogan 'medicines with respect' should enter everyone's head when they pick up any medicine.
Should be taught at school.

As for sales - remember "first, to no harm".

Alternatively, all the population should do the NPA interact program!

[johnep]

Co-codamol eff is a big problem in Norther Ireland.
johnep