The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has announced a package of measures to promote the safer use of codeine and dihydrocodeine containing analgesics. This follows a thorough review of the benefits and risks of these medicines.

The National Pharmacy Association, as the UK's trade body for pharmacy owners, is supportive of the measures that will encourage consumers to ask their pharmacist for advice about pain relief. We look forward to working with pharmaceutical manufacturers, regulators, consumer groups and our members in implementing these changes.

John Turk, NPA Chief Executive, comments:

"Pharmacists help people make the right choice about pain relief every day. This includes explaining that all medicines have risks as well as benefits and ensuring that people make an informed decision about the medicines they use for pain relief.

The warning 'can cause addiction', which will be displayed on the front of packs, should prompt consumers to talk to their pharmacist about what course of action would be most suitable for them and to heed advice given by pharmacists and their staff about how these medicines can be used safely.

Your local pharmacist and their staff will be able to provide broad advice on pain relief as well as specific advice on the different products available over the counter to help relieve pain."

Source
The National Pharmacy Association