More than 50 cough medicines recalled over ‘life-threatening’ surgery risk

Dozens of medicines and lozenges containing a common cough suppressant are being de-registered by the Therapeutic Goods Adminsitration, due to a risk of anaphylaxis.

Pholcodine has been linked to an increased risk of potentially deadly anaphylactic reactions to muscle relaxants used during general anaesthesia, and the risk can remain for up to 12 months after taking the cough suppressant. The Therapeutic Goods Administration has recalled 44 products containing the cough suppressant — including Benadryl, Codral, Bisolvon, Amcal and Chemists Own medicines — as well as 11 products which are not currently on shelves.

Head of the Precision Medicine Group at Flinders University, Dr Ashley Hopkins, says anaphylactic reactions are “rare” but “can be life-threatening”.

Press PLAY below to hear Dr Hopkins’ advice for those who’ve taken the drug

Dr Hopkins encouraged anyone who’s taken a product containing pholcodine in the last year to keep a record of when they took it, in case they require surgery.