Madam, – On Saturday last, it being the morning after a good night out, I went into a pharmacist to find some Solpadeine to alleviate a particularly bad hangover headache.
I was asked what I wanted it for, and upon giving my truthful response (that I had a very bad hangover), was told that maybe I should try a Panadol, and ultimately I came away without anything from the vendor.
I would use Solpadeine perhaps once every two months and only in instances when I feel unable to let the pain fester any longer. While I understand the issue of codeine addictions and the gravity of the stuff on human livers and kidneys, I find most ridiculous the vague and paper-thin precautions being taken to control their sale. Are they for sale by prescription or are they not?
If I spent the night before that drinking heavily but legally, (with alcohol being legal, although damaging to my liver and kidneys and highly addictive), I think the pharmacist in question could have allowed me the responsibility I am entitled to for my own liver and kidneys, and have sold me the pain relief drugs I had asked her for. Either that, or they should be made prescription-only, because I am growing more and more disillusioned and fatigued by the condescension and hypocrisy of these vague guidelines.
“What are you using the drug for?” Perchance for one or all of the ailments it claims to alleviate on the packet. If the Department of Health is so concerned with addiction and a person’s liver and kidneys, maybe it should first address the alcohol culture which we are all a part of in some way or another. Maybe it could request that publicans ask the same question. “What are you going to use it for?” – “It’s a pint, I’ll probably drink it . . .” – Yours, etc,