Tens of millions of co-codamol prescriptions are dispensed each year
Co-codamol tablets are used by millions across the UK
The NHS has issued an alert regarding a widely-used painkiller taken by millions across the UK annually. Tens of millions of co-codamol prescriptions are dispensed each year, with chemists alone providing 650,000 prescriptions alongside those issued by doctors.
Whilst GPs will advise patients on the appropriate duration for taking this strong painkiller – and pharmacists offer similar guidance – those purchasing co-codamol over-the-counter have been cautioned against prolonged use.
Lower-strength co-codamol can be purchased from chemists without requiring a prescription. For the biggest stories in Wales first, sign up to our daily newsletter here
The NHS alert warns: “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.”
Co-codamol faces restrictions or outright bans in certain countries, primarily due to its codeine content, which is classified as an opioid.
Regulations differ based on local codeine control measures, reports the Mirror.
In the United States, codeine is classified as a controlled substance and co-codamol cannot be purchased without prescription.
Comparable limitations exist in Australia, Canada, New Zealand and several European nations.