REGINA — Pharmacists say it’s time for Canada to restrict access to over-the-counter codeine as the country grapples with an opioid crisis. In most of Canada, codeine comes in eight-milligram pills, mixed with two other ingredients, that can be purchased without a prescription. It’s also calling for Health Canada to review why low-dose codeine products are used in the first place, since evidence suggests there are better alternatives to manage pain. Health Canada says in 2015 more than 600 types of low-dose codeine tablets were sold. The agency is reviewing whether low-dose codeine products should be restricted to prescriptions only.

Source: National Post June 02, 2019 13:52 UTC