No More Over The Counter Codeine Meds

Proposal for prescription-only

- NICOLA DONNELLY

MEDICINES containing codeine, such as Solpadeine and Nurofen, may be made prescription-only, reports claimed last night.

The proposed move came as internal Department of Health documents show Ireland has a significant and widespread reliance on "codeine-containing medicines".

Irish people spend substantially more than consumers in 30 other countries on such medications, currently available to buy over-the-counter in pharmacies.

The documents, some of which were redacted, were released to Prime Time under the Freedom of Information Act, according to RTE.