Addiction warning for painkillers

The pill packets will carry warning messages

Painkillers available to buy in chemists are to carry stronger warnings about the risk of addiction and side effects.

The government's drug regulation body is asking manufacturers to voluntarily update labelling and patient information leaflets.

The drugs involved contain codeine and dihydrocodeine.

The warnings will say that patients taking these drugs for more than three days at a time should see their doctor.

Their benefits clearly outweigh any risks, but we still need to highlight those risks to ensure people take their medication safely and correctly Dr June Raine from the MHRA

This is because taking codeine regularly and for a long time could lead to addiction, which might cause feelings of restlessness and irritability when stopping.

Also, taking a painkiller to ease headaches, for too often or for too long, can make them worse, the warnings will say.

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) says these precautions could help prevent a small number of people becoming addicted to their medicine.

The MHRA has received reports of 47 cases of misuse or adverse events in relation to codeine products since 1963.

Even though the numbers are extremely small, the agency believes it is important that people are made aware of the potential risk.

'Potential risk'

Dr June Raine from the MHRA said: "Analgesics that contain codeine and dihydrocodeine play a very important part in the treatment of pain.

"Their benefits clearly outweigh any risks, but we still need to highlight those risks to ensure people take their medication safely and correctly.

"We are pleased that the manufacturers are beginning the process of updating their packaging and leaflets to reflect this."

Helen Darracott from the Proprietary Association of Great Britain, the trade association representing manufacturers of over-the-counter (OTC) medicines and food supplements, said: "OTC medicines which contain codeine or dihydrocodeine do not lead to addiction if used according to the instruction on the pack.

"They should be taken only to relieve symptoms of pain and only for short periods unless a doctor has advised otherwise.

"We hope by adding these extra warnings it will help the minority of people who might be at risk of addiction to use these medicines appropriately."

Sue Kilby of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain said: "We are keen to see up-to-date labelling and Patient Information Leaflets that incorporate clear instructions about how to take and store medicines and also offers information about any potential side effects, interactions or contraindications."

Last year, doctors attending a conference of the British Medical Association warned about the risk of addiction to drugs available to buy at pharmacies.

They said eight in 10 people use over-the-counter drugs for headaches. An estimated 30,000 people may be addicted to drugs available at chemists, delegates at the Llandudno conference heard.