A chara, – Both Norman Davies (August 10th) and David Wilkins (August 6th) criticise the introduction of new guidelines for codeine medicines. However, both of them were still able to purchase the products in the end, unlike customers throughout Europe, the US and most of the rest of the world, where these addictive and potentially dangerous medications are available only on a prescription from a doctor.
The key effects of the Irish guidelines are: 1. to remove the products from customer self-selection, 2. to ensure they are only supplied after a consultation with a pharmacist and 3. to provide all customers with complete information regarding their appropriate use, potential for addiction and possible side-effects.
It is difficult to comprehend how such simple and sensible regulations could cause so much difficulty among the public if they are being taken as sparingly and occasionally as they are meant to be. If some of the warnings have touched a raw nerve, then it’s arguable their purpose is being served. – Is mise,