Hoarders

PHARMACISTS are on the alert for people stockpiling over-the-counter codeine medicines before February 1 when the products will require a prescription.

These include painkillers available under brand names such as Panadeine, Nurofen Plus and Mersyndol as well as cough, cold and flu products including Codral and Demazin.

A database developed by the Pharmacy Guild of Australia and used by about 70 per cent of pharmacists has resulted in about 2 per cent of customers being refused medicines after it showed them pharmacy shopping for codeine products.

Federal authorities decided on the change due to health risks, according to the Therapeutic Goods Administration.

It notes that codeine is an opioid drug closely related to morphine.

“Codeine can cause opioid tolerance, dependence, addiction, poisoning and, in high doses, even death,” a TGA statement says.

“Some consumers may seek to stockpile codeine-containing medicines prior to the scheduling change.”