Millions of people use the painkiller every year
The NHS warns about taking co-codamol for too long.
The NHS has issued a warning over the co-codamol painkiller.
Millions of people use the strong painkiller every year, with pharmacists alone handing out 650,000 prescriptions on top of those authorised by GPs.
GPs will offer advice on how long the pills should be used for and anyone who has bought co-codamol from a pharmacy has been warned not to take the drug for too long.
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Low-strength co-codamol can be bought from a pharmacy without a prescription.
And these people should not take the painkiller for more than three days, the Mirror reports.
The reason is co-codamol can become addictive if taken too long and the body can become tolerant to it, making it less effective.
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.
“Some people can become more sensitive to pain (hyperalgesia).
“If this happens, your doctor will reduce your dose gradually to help these symptoms.
“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.
“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.
“Speak to your doctor if you’re worried about tolerance, hyperalgesia or becoming addicted.”
In the USA, codeine is a controlled substance and co-codamol and the drug is not available over the counter.
There are also restrictions in Australia, Canada, New Zealand and some European countries.