Video guidance on the five commonly asked questions about codeine changes

NPS MedicineWise — an independent and not-for-profit organisation that produces evidence-based articles — has developed an invaluable resource for pharmacists and pharmacy assistants as they field questions and concerns from patients in the final days before over-the-counter (OTC) codeine becomes a prescription-only medicine after 1 February 2018.

In this short, informative video Debbie Rigby, Advanced Practice Pharmacist and NPS MedicineWise Board member, gives tips on talking to patients about the impending codeine changes in the run-up to 1 February 2018.

The five questions were curated from most common complaints and questions aired on social media about the upcoming changes. Ms Rigby offers suggestions on how to address these patients’ concerns and how to encourage them to seek advice and care from appropriate healthcare professionals.

Questions and comments include “Panadol and Nurofen alone do not touch my pain… Ridiculous!”, and ‘To those who say codeine doesn’t help chronic pain, do you even know what it’s like to have chronic pain??!”

Ms Rigby says, “Our role in the pharmacy is to have the conversation with patients to help them understand the biopsychosocial model of chronic pain particularly, and to shift their expectations towards improving their function rather than expecting a cure for their pain.”

To access the video visit https://www.nps.org.au/medical-info/clinical-topics/over-the-counter-codeine-changes-to-supply

ENDS

Media enquiries: Eve Hanks (02) 8217 9667, 0419 618 365 or ehanks@nps.org.au