Over-the-counter ibuprofen/codeine combinations may be reviewed
Rochdale coroner Simon Nelson has called for a debate on the distribution and sale of Nurofen Plus (ibuprofen and codeine) — and similar medicines — following the death of a woman who was addicted to the product for two years.
Linda Docherty died of renal failure after taking up to 64 tablets a
day. She obtained the tablets by buying small quantities from a large
number of pharmacies.
Recording a verdict of death by reason of addiction to over-the-counter
medication last week, Mr Nelson said: “I have concerns, having
heard of Mrs Docherty’s attempts to procure the medication and
how easy it is to defeat the system should one wish to do so.”
He added that he would write to the Royal Pharmaceutical Society to ask
it to consider whether the requirements it has are sufficiently rigorous
to deal with this type of addiction.
“I feel that the system has to be looked at again. If a reconsideration
of the controls manages to save a further life, then I believe the action
would be appropriate.”
Mr Nelson told The Journal that he did not want to be prescriptive about
what steps the Society should take but that he was aware of concerns
in the medical profession about the extent of dependency on over-the-counter
medicines.
The Society’s head of practice and quality improvement, David
Pruce,
said: “We would not at this stage support any move to reclassify
this product as a prescription-only medicine.”
He added: “Pharmacists are highly skilled professionals and the
public benefit from access to a wide range of medicines of this type
over the counter. Medicines available over the counter can only be purchased
in limited quantities.”
Mr Pruce advised pharmacists to be aware of instances when the request
for a product did not feel quite right. “There is no absolute test,” he
said. But people’s answers to questions could seem rehearsed, they
might resist suggestions of alternative products or might appear nervous
or anxious.
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