Codeine changes will help identify patients in pain
Changes to the scheduling of codeine-based analgesics will help doctors, pharmacists and nurses identify patients who need more support to manage their pain, according to the National Prescribing Service (NPS).
From Saturday 1 May combination analgesics containing codeine (e.g. Nurofen Plus, Panadeine) will be rescheduled to S3 (Pharmacist Only) and come in five-day quantities.
NPS chief executive officer, Dr Lynn Weekes, says consumers with chronic pain are being urged to speak to their doctor or pharmacist about how the changes will affect them and whether they should begin or revise a pain management plan.
“A number of people who suffer chronic pain caused by arthritis and serious injuries turn to combination analgesics to manage break-through pain, but for various reasons don’t tell their doctor or pharmacist,” Dr Weekes said.
“These scheduling changes mean people who use these products frequently will need to speak to their doctor about alternative options or see their pharmacist more regularly.”
