Back in June last year, the National Drugs and Poisons Schedule Committee decided to change the rules relating to analgesic medications containing codeine. These are known by such brand names as Panadeine, Mersyndol, which contain Paracetamol as well as Codeine. There are also combinations of Codeine and Ibuprofen. Note that Codeine on its own is not available.

The changes were deferred until 1st May this year. Previously a customer could just pick these off the shelf, and they were available in large packages. As a result of the changes, a customer will have to ask a pharmacist for them, and packages will be limited to a 5 day supply. Inevitably, the cost will rise and convenience will fall.

So why the change? Well, the concern is that people will get hooked on the Codeine component of these drugs, and will then take them in excessive quantities, thus causing themselves harm. Note that it's not the Codeine that does the damage here, but the amount of Paracetamol or Ibuprofen consumed, and the solution of making just Codeine available is not going to happen.

So where's the data that supports this change? You can look in the statement of reasons -

http://www.tga.gov.au/ndpsc/record/rr200906.pdf

- skip down to PDF page 41. But you will search in vain for hard facts, or even, for the most part, references to hard facts. Both the extent of the supposed harm being caused to addicts, and the benefits to be obtained from the change, are based on little more than anecdotal evidence, supposition and speculation.

We expect more from our regulators.

It's ridiculous. What business is it of the pharmacist why you need them?. Doctors are suppose script packs of 24 pills?. I have NEVER come across anyone using codeine for some sort of stone, and I've known plenty of junkies and used various drugs recreationally years ago.

If they REALLY want to help, make alcohol by prescription and ban smoking.

As much as it annoys me that we will now have to pay more for smaller packs of medications containing codeine, I can understand why it is happening.

Sure, we have the problem of junkies using the codeine component for cheap 'highs', but the main problem is that Joe Blow off the street does not understand these medications.

Many people don't understand that you can only safely ingest 2 grams (8 tablets)of panadol (paracetamol)over 24 hours, before long term overdoses can severely affect the liver and or kidneys.

If people already have boxes of panandol at home, and then suffer severe pain somewhere and rush out and buy mersyndol, codral forte, panadeine, or panadeine forte (to name a few), they do not factor in the actual amount of panadol they are ingesting over 24 hours from all these medications.

Also, the codeine component of these medications is dreadful for causing severe constipation. Anyone who is asking to take these medications, especially over a long period of time, needs to be under medical supervision.

The pharmacist should be involved in discussions with clients about codeine medications just as much as Doctors should.

I agree with this change. Codeine is an addictive drug in the same family as heroin and opium. This should only be available on prescription and under a doctors supervision. The types of pain that need codeine to treat are all severe enough to warrant a visit to the doctor. This is not the drug to be taking for a headache or a sore throat.

Money is probably the most addictive so should we hand it out in smaller doses ? If drugs are being misused then so be it ! let the idiots sort themselves out, don't waste taxpayers' funding on them. Druggies at the end of the queue if you ask me !

As Sylvia Else said, where's the facts?.

Opinions are fine, but it's like a**eholes. Everyone's got one and they're full of ...

Where's the data to help form an educated opinion and allow debate?