Dear Patients of Mt Martha Village Clinic
Re Changes to over-the-counter medicine – Codeine
From 1 February 2018, all medicines that contain codeine will no longer be available in pharmacies without a prescription.
The effected medications are under brand names such as Panadeine, Nurofen Plus and Mersyndol and also cough, cold and flu medicines.
Appropriate clinical assessment will be required to determine an individual’s therapeutic need.
Why?
- There is little evidence indicating that low-dose codeine medicines are more effective than alternatives without codeine.
- There is substantial evidence of harm from the misuse and abuse of low dose codeine-containing medicines.
- Codeine is not indicated for long term use, but is often used this way.
PATIENTS REQUIRING PAIN RELIEF WILL REQUIRE TO BOOK AN APPOINTMENT WITH THE DOCTOR.
NEW PATIENTS PLEASE NOTE THAT OUR DOCTORS DO NOT PRESCRIBE ANY OPIATE MEDICATION ON YOUR FIRST VISIT TO ALLOW FOR THE REQUIRED CHECKS TO BE DONE.