Several well-known strong pain killers (*please see list at the end of this page) have recently been taken off our pharmacy shelves and are being  stored in the dispensary, in line with the latest guidelines published by the Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland. This is happening in all Irish pharmacies.

Firstly, we should mention that these products are still for sale in all of our pharmacies. As you would expect from our colleagues, we will continue to sell you these medicines, where deemed appropriate, in the most professional way possible. Our colleagues are extremely well-trained and know the appropriate questions to establish whether or not these medicines are the most suitable treatment for you. This has always been the case and is something that we are immensely proud of.

The reason that these medicines have been moved into the dispensary is that they contain CODEINE. Medicines containing codeine are safe and effective when used according to the instructions on the pack and the leaflet which accompanies each pack, but it is important that they are taken correctly and with relevant advice.

Medicines containing codeine are stronger than standard pain relievers which contain ibuprofen or paracetamol alone. For this reason, you should use medicines containing paracetamol or ibuprofen firstly, before you consider using medicines containing codeine. If these are effective, there is no need for you to take a medicine containing codeine. To ensure that your pain is treated effectively, you will be asked some questions and you will then be advised on the most appropriate medicine to treat your pain. You will also receive advice on the correct use of these medicines and also the consequences of misuse. Some key points are as follows:

• It is important to follow the dosage instructions on the pack and not to exceed the stated dose.
• Medicines containing codeine are for short term use only and should not be taken for longer than 3 days, unless advised by a doctor.
• If taken for long periods, they may lead to physical and psychological dependence (addiction).
•   Medicines containing codeine should not be taken while breast-feeding unless under the supervision of a doctor.
• Frequent use of pain relievers for persistent headaches may make them worse. If you believe you may be suffering from Medicine Overuse Headache, please talk to your local Unicare pharmacist.
• Side effects of codeine can include constipation, nausea, dizziness and drowsiness according to dosage and individual susceptibility.

If you use a codeine-containing painkiller regularly for chronic pain, we have produced the following letter which your doctor can fill in on your behalf.  Click here to download.  Remember that a codeine-containing pain reliever may not be suitable for all people. There may be a better pain reliever available on prescription which your doctor may prefer you to take.

For further advice on any aspect of pain relief, please speak to your local Unicarepharmacy pharmacist.

*Codeine containing products include:

Solpadeine, Nurofen Plus, Maxilief, Syndol, Feminax, Migraleve, Veganin Plus, Panadeine, Uniflu Plus, Codis, Codinex, Benylin with Codeine.

All of these medicines are available from your local Unicarepharmacy for appropriate treatment of symptoms.