{"id":175560,"date":"2025-09-28T16:32:08","date_gmt":"2025-09-28T16:32:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/175560\/"},"modified":"2025-09-28T16:32:08","modified_gmt":"2025-09-28T16:32:08","slug":"nhs-issues-three-day-warning-for-millions-of-co-codamol-users-in-uk","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/175560\/","title":{"rendered":"NHS issues three-day warning for millions of co-codamol users in UK"},"content":{"rendered":"

The NHS has issued a warning over a common painkiller used by millions of people in the UK every yearRuth Suter, Neil Shaw Assistant Editor and Kathryn Riddell<\/a> Multimedia Journalist<\/p>\n

11:33, 28 Sep 2025<\/p>\n

\"PersonPerson taking a painkiller pill(Image: Getty Images)<\/p>\n

The NHS <\/a>has issued a cautionary warning regarding a widely-used painkiller, taken by millions of Brits each year. Pharmacists distribute approximately 650,000 prescriptions of the drug annually to tens of millions.<\/p>\n

While GPs provide guidance on the duration for which this potent painkiller should be taken – and pharmacists offer similar advice – those who have purchased co-codamol from a pharmacy have been advised against prolonged use of the drug. Co-codamol of lower strength can be bought from a pharmacy without a prescription.<\/p>\n

It comes as the NHS also issued a warning to anyone taking a common medicine to relieve heartburn and indigestion.<\/a><\/p>\n

As reported by the Mirror, the NHS<\/a> warning reads: “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.<\/p>\n

“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

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“Some people can become more sensitive to pain (hyperalgesia). If this happens, your doctor will reduce your dose gradually to help these symptoms.<\/p>\n

“It’s possible to become addicted to the codeine in co-codamol. For this reason, your dose will be reviewed to make sure you’re only taking the amount you need to control your pain.”, reports the Daily Record<\/a>.<\/p>\n

“Your treatment plan may include details of how and when you’ll stop taking co-codamol. If you’re having treatment for cancer pain or other severe pain, your pain control will be carefully monitored.<\/p>\n

“Speak to your doctor if you’re worried about tolerance, hyperalgesia or becoming addicted.”<\/p>\n

Co-codamol is subject to restrictions or outright bans in certain countries, primarily due to its codeine content, an opioid. The regulations vary based on local control of codeine.<\/p>\n

In the USA, codeine is a controlled substance and co-codamol cannot be purchased over the counter. Similar restrictions are in place in Australia, Canada, New Zealand and some European nations.<\/p>\n

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