Addiction to Over-the-Counter Codeine Can Occur in Three Days
Posted on September 3, 2009Over-the-counter drugs that contain codeine—such as those used to ease coughs and colds—appear to be harmless, but figures show that tens of thousands of people have become dependent on the drugs, with women having the highest risk of developing an addiction.
In the UK, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has announced a series of measures to counter the growing problem of “hidden addiction.” Warning that addiction can begin after just three days, MHRA said that starting next year, all packets of the painkillers would carry a prominent warning label that will read: “Can cause addiction. For three days’ use only.”
The pills will also only be available as a maximum of 32 pills per packet, instead of up to 100, and warnings will also be repeated on leaflets inside packets. Advertising will no longer state that the drugs can be used to ease coughs and colds, but that they should be used for acute and moderate pain. Larger packets will still be available via prescription.
The move comes after an All Party Parliamentary Group on Drug Misuse report warned of the danger of the drugs, saying that the 32,000 people who are addicted are just the “tip of the iceberg.” Because the painkillers are available without a prescription, experts say they are particularly easy to abuse. They all contain codeine, an opiate which is related to heroin and morphine.
Some people take up to 70 pills a day, putting them at risk of seriously damaging their health with complications such as bleeding stomach, liver problems, gallstones, and depression.
Around 27 million over-the-counter pills containing codeine are sold every year in a painkiller market worth £500 million. The internet has made it easier to buy the pills in bulk.
Although essentially voluntary, the measures have been accepted by the industry, the MHRA said. D.r June Raine, from the agency, said that taken correctly, painkillers containing codeine were largely very effective and safe. “However, these products can be addictive and we are taking action to tackle this risk,” she said.
“The MHRA is ensuring that people have clear information on codeine containing medicines on what they are to be used for and how to minimize the risk of addiction,” she added. “Anyone who has concerns should speak to their pharmacist or a doctor.”
