Codeine 300MG

Why is the accessibility of codeine 300MG changing in Australia?

Many Australians may not fully understand the potential harm associated with codeine. It is important to note that over-the-counter medications containing codeine 300mg in Australia for pain management offer minimal additional benefits. Compared to medicines without codeine while posing significant health risks, such as the development of tolerance or physical dependence on codeine. It’s crucial to recognize that codeine, an opioid drug derived from opium poppies and closely related to morphine, can lead to opioid tolerance, dependence, addiction, poisoning, and, in high doses, even death.

Codeine 300MG use can be harmful

The use of codeine can be harmful, as tolerance can develop over time, causing the body to require increasingly higher doses for the same level of relief from symptoms. When the medicine is stopped, severe withdrawal symptoms may occur, including headaches, muscle aches, mood swings, insomnia, nausea, and diarrhea. Some of these withdrawal symptoms mimic the symptoms that low-dose codeine products are meant to treat, potentially leading individuals to incorrectly continue taking the medicine for longer periods or in higher doses. Codeine poisoning contributes to both accidental and intentional deaths in Australia.

Codeine-containing medicines that are available over-the-counter are typically combined with either paracetamol or ibuprofen in Australia. Regular use of these medicines for conditions such as chronic pain has led some individuals to unknowingly develop an addiction or tolerance to codeine. Taking more than the recommended dose of combination products could lead to serious side effects. While paracetamol is safe at recommended doses, long-term use of high doses can result in liver damage. On the other hand, the most severe adverse effects of long-term ibuprofen use include serious internal bleeding, kidney failure, and heart attack.

Seeking advice in Australia:

Pharmacists play a crucial role in reducing harm from Codeine 300MG in Australia. Until January 31, 2018, codeine-containing over-the-counter medications will remain available in pharmacies without a prescription. Pharmacists will continue to serve as a valuable source of information and guidance for consumers, both before and after this date. Most individuals should be able to manage acute pain or cough and cold symptoms using safer medications. For acute pain, these may include products containing paracetamol or ibuprofen, or a combination of the two. As such, it is important to consult your pharmacist for advice on the most suitable medications for your needs, especially if you have other medical conditions, such as stomach, kidney, liver, or heart problems.