Opioids

Drug Safety Update 2014; 7(9): S1

Dispensing errors: please ensure appropriate precautions are in place

Reminder about safe procedures for dispensing medicines and information about new packaging for some morphine sulphate products

Drug Safety Update 2012; 6(5): S2

Codeine-containing pain relief in children: safety review initiated following post-surgical fatalities in ultra-rapid metabolisers

Response to codeine can vary between individuals. Genetically determined very rapid metabolism of codeine could lead to potentially life-threatening toxicity.

Drug Safety Update 2011;4(12): H1

Addiction to benzodiazepines and codeine: supporting safer use

Reminder to use benzodiazepines and over-the-counter codeine products for the shortest possible time.

Drug Safety Update 2009;3(2): 6

Over-the-counter painkillers containing codeine or dihydrocodeine

Restriction on the sale of codeine and dihydrocodeine products to reduce abuse; the products can no longer be sold for indications relating to colds, flu, cough and sore throat. Over-the-counter supply is limited to short-term use for pain not relieved by aspirin, ibuprofen or paracetamol.

Drug Safety Update 2008;2(2): 2

Fentanyl patches: serious and fatal overdose from dosing errors, accidental exposure, and inappropriate use

Inappropriate use of fentanyl patches can be very dangerous. Patches should be prescribed with care and instructions on their use should be followed closely.

Drug Safety Update 2008;1(10): 10

Intrathecal drug pumps

Opioids administered through an implantable intrathecal pump can induce an inflammatory mass near the tip of the intrathecal catheter.

Drug Safety Update 2007;1(4): 6

Codeine: very rare risk of side-effects in breastfed babies

Rarely, opioid effects can occur in a breast-fed baby of a mother being treated with codeine. This is likely if the mother has especially active form of CYP2D6 isoenzyme, leading to rapid conversion of codeine to morphine.