Do you need a prescription for co-codamol UK?

You can buy the lowest strength of co-codamol (8/500) without a prescription but only from a pharmacy. The higher strengths (15/500 and 30/500) are only available on prescription from a doctor.

Can pharmacists prescribe co-codamol UK?

Changes to Misuse of Drugs Regulations mean that appropriately qualified nurses and pharmacists will now be able to prescribe controlled drugs like morphine, diamorphine and prescription-strength co-codamol, the Government announced today.

Why do doctors not prescribe codeine?

Additional Information for Caregivers and Patients Codeine should not be used to treat pain or cough and tramadol should not be used to treat pain in children younger than 12 years due to the risk of serious side effects, including slowed or difficult breathing and death.

Is co-codamol a restricted drug?

There was also a similar pattern to 2015, with codeine-containing preparations continuing to be the most commonly prescribed Schedule 5 controlled drugs. Co- codamol was the most commonly prescribed Schedule 5 controlled drug in 2016, although prescribing reduced by 4.3%.

Can a pharmacy prescribe codeine?

Pharmacies are permitted to dispense, on prescription, medicines containing codeine that are not labelled as prescription-only medicines until 5 May, 2021, in order to use up existing stock.

Can doctors still prescribe codeine?

Doctors are still widely prescribing codeine for kids with coughs, colds and injuries, despite robust evidence that the ancient narcotic doesn’t work for many children — and may be fatal to some.

Is co-codamol a schedule 5 drug?

Medicines such as dihydrocodeine and codeine containing products (including co-codamol 30mg/500mg) are Schedule 5 Controlled Drugs.

Can I get co-codamol on repeat prescription?

Acute Prescribing: However, prescription clerks/non clinical staff are advised to be vigilant & repeated requests should be brought to GP’s attention. Items like simple pain killers(Co-Codamol, etc.) issued within last six month can be issued in small quantities depending on the last repeat orders.

Can a pharmacist prescribe co-codamol?