Painkillers having codeine can lead to addiction

Painkillers having codeine can lead to addictionMedicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has issued warning regarding medicines containing codeine and dihydrocodeine as overuse of these medicines can lead to addiction.

Around 27 million packs of codeine-containing painkillers are sold every year in the UK. Study has shown that 30,000 people have become addicted to medicines containing codeine. Researchers fear that this number could be far less than actual number.

Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency, said that the medicines, which are used for migraine, backache, dental pain and period pain, will have to carry more prominent warnings on addiction both on the packaging and the leaflet inside.

Authorities have warned against taking of these medicines for more than three days as it could lead to addiction. Pack sizes will be limited to 32. The larger packs will only be available on a prescription from doctor.

Authorities are taking all possible steps to warn people of the addiction due to these medicines.  

Sheila Kelly, PAGB executive director, said: "The new labelling to increase the prominence of the addiction warning by moving it to the front of the pack, and to limit the indications to moderate acute pain that does not respond to paracetamol, ibuprofen or aspirin alone, will be introduced as soon as possible."