Codeine to become prescription-only medicine from 2018

The Australian Medical Association has thrown its support behind restrictions to codeine use.

Codeine pain-killers will become prescription-only medicine from 2018 as a result of an increase in accidental deaths due to codeine overdose.

Dr Lorraine Baker from AMA Victoria told Nick McCallum there are adequate alternatives available over the counter.

‘It will still be available to people who need it,’ she said.

Dr Baker said the extra cost at GP level will be offset by having less strain on ambulances and emergency departments.

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