Editorial: Changes for codeine

Rescheduling codeine‐containing analgesics reduced codeine‐related hospital presentations

“…Until recently, analgesic medications containing less than 30 mg codeine per dosage unit were available over the counter in Australia . Codeine‐related hospital presentations placed an increasing economic burden on the Australian health care system; in response, the Therapeutic Goods Administration re‐scheduled all codeine‐containing products as prescription‐only medicines from 1 February 2018…”

Editorial: Opioid prescribing in dentistry – is there a problem?

“…6 It was rescheduled to a prescription-only medicine in February 2018. 7 Since then, codeine misuse and sales appear to have reduced overall. 8 However, there was an increase in dental prescriptions of codeine 30 mg (with paracetamol 500 mg) and oxycodone by 21% and…”

“…Codeine is no longer recommended by the Therapeutic Guidelines.6 It was rescheduled to a prescription-only medicine in February 2018. 7 Since then, codeine misuse and sales appear to have reduced overall. 8 However, there was an increase in dental prescriptions of codeine 30 mg (with paracetamol 500 mg) and oxycodone by 21% and 24% respectively one year after the rescheduling in comparison to the previous year.…”

A spotlight on the role, use, and availability of codeine and the implications faced

“…Australia recently noted an increased incidence of complications from chronic use of combination analgesics. Low dose codeine co-formulated with paracetamol or ibuprofen was available OTC in Australia until February 2018 when it became prescription only [12]. This decision followed an 18-month consultation period, and a main reason was 'substantial evidence of harm from the abuse and misuse'.…”