New RACGP codeine resource now available

The ‘Upscheduling of codeine’ page is home to a broad range of clinical and educational resources, as well as a number of consumer-focused sources designed to help patients better understand and adjust to the change in policy.
 
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has up-scheduled codeine to a Schedule 4 prescription-only drug and it will no longer be available over the counter from 1 February. Evidence shows codeine is largely ineffective for most pain relief, while contributing to significant overuse harms in Australia.  
 
Information on the new site comes from a number of different sources, including the RACGP, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), Scriptwise and NPS Medicinewise. Material includes prescribing advice, tips for discussing codeine with patients, management of opioid dependence, alternative treatment options, and more. In addition, options for advice and support are provided for all states and territories.
 
The RACGP, along with Consumers Health Forum, Pain Australia and all major medical groups, supports the TGA’s decision to up-schedule codeine.
 
‘The evidence is clear: codeine is dangerous and the current situation is leading to very severe outcomes,’ RACGP President Dr Bastian Seidel said. ‘One hundred codeine-related deaths per year is simply unacceptable, and that’s only the tip of the iceberg.’

Resource: Upscheduling of codeine

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