Cough syrup could become prescription-only due to addiction fears

Though cough and cold are experienced by many as a seasonal affliction, it is pertinent to be mindful of it. In most cases, coughing should go away once the cold is gone, but if you are still coughing after your cold clears, it could be a sign of a more serious affliction. Yes, cough even sometimes even be an early sign of deadly cancer.

To manage cough, most of us consume cough medicine without prescription. However, as reported by Sky News, some cough medicines might soon become out of reach for us without doctor's note due to some serious concerns that have been raised about them, particularly regarding the risks of addiction.

This is not the first time that concerns have been raised about cough medications. In fact, earlier this year, there was a warning issued over toxic cough syrup that could be fatal to people.

The link between cough syrup and drug abuse

Codeine linctus is a very commonly found and popular cough syrup. It has the active ingredient codeine phosphate, which is effective in stopping dry cough. However, there is a dark side to this pharmaceutical drug, due to its addictive properties and side effects.

As per a report by Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), since 2018, it has received 116 reports of recreational drug abuse of codeine medicines as well as, dependence and/or withdrawal as a result of it.

Not just that, there have been 277 recorded serious and fatal adverse reactions to medicines containing codeine in 2021 and 243 in 2022.

The disturbing numbers have led UK health authorities to look into whether codeine syrups should be made prescription only.

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Reclassification of codeine linctus to a prescription-only medicine

Dr Alison Cave, MHRA chief safety officer, elaborated on the matter, and invited the opinions of other health care experts to know what they thought about the potential changes. She states,

Codeine linctus is an effective medicine, but as it is an opioid, its misuse and abuse can have major health consequences.

Every response received will help us to develop a broader view on whether codeine linctus should be restricted to prescription-only status.

We want to hear from members of the public, health professionals and others who would be affected by this potential change so we can make a properly considered decision for the benefit of patients, carers, and healthcare professionals across the UK.

Professor Claire Anderson, president of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society, welcomed the move underlining the lack of evidence regarding the efficacy of codeine in curing coughs and the availability of other cures for cough. She also pointed out that a majority of people are genetically predisposed to opioid dependence. She is quoted by Sky News as saying,

We believe there is insufficient robust evidence for the benefits of codeine linctus in treating coughs safely and appropriately. We also have significant concerns about its misuse and addictive potential, as well as the risk of overdose.

There are many non-codeine based products available for the treatment of dry cough. With studies showing up to 60% of people are genetically predisposed to opioid dependence, the role of codeine linctus in treating what is ultimately a self-limiting condition is questionable.

The consultation will run for four weeks until 15 August, after which the authorities should have a better idea of how to proceed with regulating medicines containing codeine.

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Sources used:

Sky News: 'Some cough syrups could be made prescription-only over addiction fears'