Many pharmacists have real concerns about OTC codeine-based analgesics and are open to alternate options, a new survey reveals.
The survey conducted for AFT Pharmaceuticals was undertaken to ascertain if pharmacists were concerned about any risks associated with codeine-based analgesics.
The survey of 1,022 responses showed that: 72% of respondents said they were either somewhat concerned, or very concerned, about the potential for adverse consequences resulting from the ordinary use of codeine-based analgesics; 99% said they were either somewhat concerned, or very concerned, about the potential for adverse consequences resulting from the misuse of codeine-based analgesics; and 92% either somewhat agreed, or strongly agreed, when asked whether they thought codeine combinations are used too often by consumers and patients in Australia.
Pharmacists were also asked in the survey whether paracetamol-ibuprofen combination products could be a suitable alternative to codeine-based combinations, and 69% of respondents either agreed or strongly agreed.
Dr Hartley Atkinson, Managing Director of AFT Pharmaceuticals, says the results indicate that many pharmacists have genuine concerns about codeine-based analgesics.
“Nearly all respondents have concerns with the potential for abuse of these products. Plus, nearly three-quarters are concerned about dependence risks resulting from ordinary usage, in other words, people using the product as directed.”
The survey also affirms that many pharmacists were seeking alternatives to codeine-based products, says Dr Atkinson.
Source: Australian Journal of Pharmacy
