NZ restricts codeine for kids

NEW Zealand’s Medsafe regulator and the Medicines Adverse Reactions Committee have issued an alert about new restrictions on the use of codeine in children and young adults.

The update follows a review of the safety of codeine, with officials concluding that “the risk of harm is unacceptable in children”.

All medicines that contain codeine are impacted by the decision, because “codeine can cause serious breathing problems in children that could result in death”.

NZ health professionals have therefore been told not to use any medicines containing codeine in children aged less than 12 years.

In addition, cough medicines containing codeine may not be used in adolescents aged less than 18 years, and any medicines containing codeine may also not be used in those aged 18 and under to control pain after surgery to remove tonsils or adenoids or in those who have breathing issues such as asthma or sleep apnoea.

“Anyone taking codeine should get urgent medical help if they experience nausea, vomiting, extreme sleepiness, drowsiness, confusion, shallow breathing, or if they are difficult to wake,” the Medsafe alert communication says.

Codeine should also not be used in women who are breastfeeding.

The regulator confirmed it was working with sponsors of codeine-containing products in New Zealand to update data sheets and package labelling to include the revised age restrictions.