Drugs in pharmacies across Manitoba containing codeine will now require a prescription from a doctor, pharmacist, dentist, or nurse practitioner before they can be purchased.

 

The change is designed to help reduce the harmful effects from improper use of the products, including addiction and liver failure.

 

Drugs containing codeine such as Tylenol 1, Robaxacet-8, and some cough syrups can be addictive when taken in large quantities, and can even be more dangerous when mixed with other over the counter drugs such as Gravol.

 

The overuse of codeine products has become a cause for concern throughout Manitoba causing addiction in some cases through recreational use. This is not always the case, as exempted codeine products are very similar to other medications on the prescription market. Some people may not be aware they are taking double the medication, just because one requires a prescription and the other doesn't. These people are under the assumption they are different medications, when they are actually almost exactly the same.

 

Pharmacists are now allowed to refuse or limit the sale of the drug to suspected customers. With multiple pharmacies to choose from, however, limiting the sale at one location would not stop patients from trying their luck at another pharmacy. However, as of Febuary 1st, the new rule requires pharmacists to record the purchase of exempted codine products into the province-wide Drug Program Information Network which will allow all pharmacists and doctors to communicate any individuals prescription history, and identify abusers and pharmacy jumpers.