A ‘Hot Topic’ article in the September 2009 edition of Drug Safety Update from the MHRA provides a summary of new warnings and tighter controls that are being introduced to minimise the risk of overuse and addiction to OTC products containing codeine or dihydrocodeine.  

The package of measures include changes to indications, labels and leaflets, pack size, and advertising; these are being undertaken in parallel with the Department of Health’s review of policy on addiction to prescription and OTC medicines.  Key messages for pharmacists include:

• recommend codeine or DHC containing products appropriately within the OTC analgesic range
• give key safety messages regarding short-term use and avoidance of addiction if taken as recommended
• note that packs of more than 32 tablets are for dispensing use only

Please see the link below for further information.