Codeine advertising alert

PHARMACISTS are being warned to remove any public advertising for medicines containing codeine in preparation for 01 Feb 2018, including product packaging, shelf, stand and floor advertising, dummy display products, website and social media material.

The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) is reminding pharmacies that with the legislation around codeine-containing products becoming prescription only, they will no longer be able to be advertised to the public.

Pharmacies may continue to include codeine-containing medicines in prescription price lists for consumers however, provided that the price lists comply with the Price Information Code of Practice, the TGA said.

Advertisers, sponsors and manufacturers, broadcasters and publishers are all on early warning notice to be certain they adhere to the legislation.

Advertising of codeine-containing products to healthcare professionals is still to be allowed provided it is directed “exclusively to healthcare professionals”, but any advertisements that are also available to the public, including those directed to pharmacy assistants, may be considered “illegal advertising of prescription medicines” if they contain codeine.

Advertisers are also being warned that the TGA advertising code prohibits the use of language that could cause fear and distress for consumers, such that any advertising that refers to the impending change in arrangements for scheduling of codeine could influence the public to stockpile out of fear - as has already been highlighted in Vic (W 04 May).

Visit tga.gov.au for full details.