Identification needed for medicine with codeine

"As of 2 January 2014, patients will be required to supply key personal details including identity numbers, when they purchase a range of popular over-the-counter medications," the retailer said in a statement.

Codeine, an active ingredient found in a range of flu and pain medication, has proven a successful ingredient but is addictive when not used correctly.

Nicola Brink of the Self-Medication Manufacturers Association of SA (Smasa) said it was difficult to regulate the dispensing of codeine.

"We want to protect patients from misuse and abuse of codeine-containing substances," Brink said.

She said she was aware that the initiative could be met with resistance.

"The only alternative is to move all medicine containing codeine to a higher schedule, which would require a doctor's prescription. This would place a further burden on the healthcare system," she added.

Source: Sapa via I-Net Bridge