Display of Codeine based products to be banned in 2011.

[asset test]

Proposals to ban display of codeine - The Irish Times - Tue, Dec 22, 2009


Products like Neurofen Plus, Solpadeine, and codeine based cough medicines will be banned from public display next year. These products will be stored out of sight in the dispensary, and the purchaser will be advised on the appropriateness of taking such products.

This action is being taken because codeine is a controlled drug and can be addictive. However statistics state that in 2008, 84 people are registered as addicted to codeine out of the total adult population of Ireland.

If these products are so harmful, and patients have to whisper their need to buy them to the pharmacist, who will then give a big lecture on the dangers associated with them.... well then these products should be the subject of a doctor's prescription IMV.

I realise that codeine products can be addictive, but I'd suggest that the vast majority of people understand this and take the product for pain in short doses. Those who take more than the safe dose, or for long periods may have a problem, but hiding them in the dispensary is not going to stop that. They are legally available over the counter despite not being on view.

However I think it will make people think again about buying them if it is easier to buy a box of paracetemol or aspirin.

What do you think of this measure?

[YoungLiberal]

Can't see it making any difference whatsoever. Silly legislation.

[seenitallb4]

Another dose of nanny-statism from idiot bureaucrats with nothing better to do. Seriously, at what point will people tell them to mind their own business?

[CookieMonster]

However I think it will make people think again about buying them if it is easier to buy a box of paracetemol or aspirin.

I don't think it will. People go into the pharmacy to by soplpadine theyre going to buy solpadine. It's no more difficult to day "I want a box of solpadine" than it is "I want a box of panadol".

It's silly legislation and it's a waste of time and money. It's this kind of nonsense we could do without.

[asset test]

I don't think it will. People go into the pharmacy to by soplpadine theyre going to buy solpadine. It's no more difficult to day "I want a box of solpadine" than it is "I want a box of panadol".

It's silly legislation and it's a waste of time and money. It's this kind of nonsense we could do without.

I agree with you. However, if you want buy a box of Solpadeine/Neurofen Plus etc. you MUST get a lecture from the pharmacist on the appropriate use, after asking for the product. That consultation in full view of other customers in the pharmacy might put potential purchasers off. Similar guidance and lectures willl not be given for the box of paracetemol, an overdose of which can kill you.

[CookieMonster]

I agree with you. However, if you want buy a box of Solpadeine/Neurofen Plus etc. you MUST get a lecture from the pharmacist on the appropriate use, after asking for the product. That consultation in full view of other customers in the pharmacy might put potential purchasers off. Similar guidance and lectures willl not be given for the box of paracetemol, an overdose of which can kill you.

I'm assuming if you're one of the 84 unfortunate codine addicts a brief word from Mary in too much makrup isn't going to kill your buzz much. But me with my mild back pain will have to endure it for no good reason.

Silly.

[seenitallb4]

It says on the back of the box how to use the pills- why get a lecture from some pharmacist?

[CookieMonster]

It says on the back of the box how to use the pills- why get a lecture from some pharmacist?

It's not even a pharmacist, it's some young wan who sells eyeshadow most of the day telling you not to take too many. Silly.

[Cassandra Syndrome]

Just ban everything and be done with it.

[Didimus]

It says on the back of the box how to use the pills- why get a lecture from some pharmacist?

Addiction to codeine based drugs is becoming widespread. Many people do not read packaging and assume that because it's sold without prescription they don't need to.
Try buying them over the counter in France, or many other EU countries.