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A box of generic co-codamol tablets<\/p>\nof millions of doses of co-codamol are taken every year in the UKA box of generic co-codamol tablets<\/p>\n
The NHS <\/a>has issued a warning over a common painkiller used by millions of people in the UK every year.<\/p>\n Pharmacists alone hand out 650,000 prescriptions of the drug to tens of millions annually. While a GP will tell you how long you should take the strong painkiller <\/a>for – and pharmacists will issue similar advice – anyone who has bought co-codamol from a pharmacy has been warned not to take the drug for too long.<\/p>\n Low-strength co-codamol<\/a> is available to buy from a pharmacy without a prescription.<\/p>\n As reported by the Mirror<\/a>, the NHS warning states: “If you’ve bought co-codamol from a pharmacy, do not use it for more than three days. If your pain has not gone away, talk to a pharmacist or doctor. If you need to take co-codamol for a long time, your body can become tolerant to the codeine in it. That means you need higher doses to control your pain over time.<\/p>\n “Some people can become more sensitive to pain (hyperalgesia). If this happens, your doctor <\/a>will reduce your dose gradually to help these symptoms. It’s possible to become addicted to the codeine in co-codamol<\/a>. For this reason, your dose will be reviewed to make sure you’re only taking the amount you need to control your pain.<\/p>\n “Your treatment plan may include details of how and when you’ll stop taking co-codamol<\/a>. If you’re having treatment for cancer pain or other severe pain, your pain control will be carefully monitored. Speak to your doctor if you’re worried about tolerance, hyperalgesia or becoming addicted.”<\/p>\n Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today.<\/p>\n You’ll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland.<\/p>\n No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team.<\/p>\n All you have to do is click here if you’re on mobile<\/a>, select ‘Join Community’ and you’re in!<\/p>\n If you’re on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click ‘Join Community’.<\/p>\n We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don\u2019t like our community, you can check out any time you like.<\/p>\n To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose ‘exit group’.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.<\/a><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/1754921349_581_0_WACOMMUNITYQR3.jpg\")
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