NPS MedicineWise, an independent organisation “enabling safe and effective use of medicines”, reports that for short-term pain connected to the likes of a headache or a sports injury, a pharmacist can advise about suitable over-the-counter treatments that can be just as effective as those containing low-dose codeine.

“However, for pain that is more severe or longer-lasting, a doctor or allied health professional, for example a  physiotherapist, is better placed to develop a more effective approach to managing severe or chronic pain than over-the-counter codeine-containing medicines,” it reports. “In the long run, this approach should save the patient paying for ineffective or harmful dosages of codeine.”

READ MORE: Over-the-counter medicines soon to become prescription-only.

In a statement NPS MedicineWise spokesperson Sarah Spagnardi said it was understandable that some people, particularly those managing chronic pain, were concerned about all codeine-containing medicines moving to prescription-only.  “We are ensuring people have access to evidence-based and quality information during this transition,” she said. “Some people may be unaware that extended use of codeine or increasing their doses could harm them, and there are too many cases of everyday Australians finding themselves in difficulty.

“When codeine is restricted to prescription-only, requiring a visit to the doctor, people who’ve been relying on these medicines to treat ongoing pain can work with their doctor or health professional to develop more effective pain management plans and follow-up.”

NPS MedicineWise has also responded to the concern that the majority of Australians are being “penalised for a small minority who abuse these drugs”. “The Therapeutic Goods Administration made the decision because of the potential risks and harms associated with codeine-containing medicines,” it says. “Other countries, including the United Kingdom and France, have successfully implemented this change.”

For more information visit www.nps.org.au.