Pharmarcy shelves in Bendigo are void of codeine products on the day before the introduction of new laws requiring a prescription to access the medication.
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The February 1 change follows a Therapeutic Goods Administration decision to reclassify products with low levels of codeine – including Nurofen Plus and Panadeine – as schedule four drugs, items that require a prescription before purchase.
Strathfieldsaye UFS pharmacist manager Cristina Mazzarino said her store ran out of codeine medications two weeks ago, with regular users of the drug “stocking up” before the change in policy.
Since then, customers who left empty handed tended to people who used codeine only occasionally to treat acute pain.
“People that were taking it regularly had been told six months ago, so they're prepared, but the people who use it ad hoc are the ones that might be affected the most,” Ms Mazzarino said.
A pharmacist at Chemist Discount Centre in Bendigo said his store also ran out of codeine two days ago.
The lag in supply at his store was not because of people purchasing codeine in bulk, but because suppliers were no longer supplying products that would need to be sent back for repackaged after February 1.
“we also havbe been helping people find pharmacies who still have some balance of stock,” he said.
The shortfall would continue for some time until newly branded products could be distributed, the pharmacist said.
Some customers were already presenting prescriptions for codeine that could not be filled until the medication arrived in store.
The Chemist Discount Centre staff member said he was recommending customers who require codeine medication to book regular appointments with their doctors in advance, so they could have their prescriptions refilled.
He said the change was an opportunity for regular codeine users to consult their pharmacist about alternative treatments.
“ A lot of people don't know what the alternatives are,” he said.
“We try our best to see what exactly is the need and try to return them to products that can do the same thing.”
Ms Mazzarino said paracetamol, anti-inflammatory drugs, physiotherapy and even exercise could help control chronic pain.
“I think it (the new law) is good, because people might get better managed,” she said.
“We can give you a bit more counselling (about the right treatment).”
Mark Kearney
Journalist. Traveller. Pop culture connoisseur. Mark is passionate about education, the arts and social justice, especially stories affecting the LGBTI community.
Journalist. Traveller. Pop culture connoisseur. Mark is passionate about education, the arts and social justice, especially stories affecting the LGBTI community.
