The UK medicines safety regulator, MHRA, is considering making codeine linctus, a cough syrup containing codeine phosphate, available only by prescription due to concerns about its potential for addiction and serious health risks. Reports of recreational use and dependence have prompted this review, with pharmacists expressing significant concerns about overdose risks. Professor Claire Anderson of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society questions the safety and efficacy of codeine linctus, highlighting its addictive potential and the risk of overdose. Studies suggest a high susceptibility to opioid dependence, with individuals metabolizing the drug at varying rates. Serious or fatal reactions to codeine-containing medicines have been reported, with an increase in incidents over recent years. Codeine linctus can cause dizziness, drowsiness, slowed breathing, constipation, allergic reactions, confusion, withdrawal symptoms, and accidental overdose.
This is not entirely surprising, but I wonder if it will require anyone who genuinely needs it to jump over hurdles like waiting to talk to a GP to get a prescription, especially with our waiting times, before they pick it up from a pharmacy
What measures might the MHRA implement to address these concerns and ensure the safety of individuals who may be using this medication. Do you think making codeine linctus available only by prescription could help mitigate the risks associated with its use?
It’s certainly a pertinent issue that MHRA is contemplating restricting access to codeine linctus given its potential for addiction and associated health risks. Professor Anderson’s concerns about its safety and efficacy, especially considering its addictive nature and the reported incidents of overdose, highlight the need for careful consideration in its regulation.