Healthcare advice

Three things to remember when taking these medicines

1. Dose
Always read the label on the pack and take as directed. Remember, pain relievers are intended to be taken at the lowest dose for the shortest period of time. Do not exceed the recommended dose. Excessive use can be harmful. Never swap or substitute one codeine product for another as there is serious risk of harm. If you wish to change pain relievers, do so under medical supervision. Only change the dose of your medicine under medical advice.

2. Side effects
If you experience side effects, please stop taking the medicine immediately and talk to your pharmacist or doctor.

3. Information
Read through the information provided on this website to find out more about pain relievers that contain codeine. Talk with your pharmacist or doctor about possible alternatives.

Talk to your pharmacist

Codeine, as well as the ingredients that are combined with it to produce pain relievers for strong pain, may have side effects if not taken correctly. To avoid the risk of side effects talk to your pharmacist about the pain you have been experiencing. Provide details such as:

• how long you have been experiencing this pain
• what other pain relievers you have taken or are currently taking
• any other medicine you are taking whether it be over the counter or prescription
• any other health concerns you may have

What health services can help me find out more?

There are Alcohol and Drug Information Services available in all states, which can be contacted anonymously.

ACT	NSW
24 Hour alcohol and drug telephone line 02 6205 4545	Alcohol and Drug information service 02 9361 8000 1800 422 599 (rural NSW only)
NT	QLD
Alcohol and Drug information service 1800 629 683 (NT only) Darwin: 08 8922 8399 Alice Springs: 08 8951 7580	Alcohol and Drug information service 07 3837 5989 1800 177 833 (rural QLD only)
SA	TAS
Alcohol and Drug information service 1300 131 340 (SA only) Adelaide: 08 8363 8618	Alcohol and Drug information service 1800 811 994 (TAS only) Hobart: 03 9416 1818
VIC	WA
DirectLine 1800 888 236	Alcohol and Drug information service 08 9442 5000 1800 198 024 (rural WA only

Translating and interpreting services (TIS—non-English speaking background): 131 450 National Relay Service (vision and speech impaired): 133 677 www.relayservice.com.au
Additional information can be found online at:
Australian Drug Information Network www.adin.com.au	Lifeline www.lifeline.com.au Counselling Online www.counsellingonline.com.au

Ask your GP about pain clinics and specialists who you can talk to about pain management, or ask your GP for a comprehensive pain assessment.

How do I approach a family member or friend who I believe may be over-using pain relievers with codeine?

Consider the following “DOs” and “DON’Ts” when approaching a family member or friend who you think may be misusing pain relievers.

"DOs"

1. Do assume the person is suffering pain and this may affect the way they respond to you.
2. Do take a non judgemental attitude to the conversation. Be open and patient.
3. Do gently raise your concerns with the person, i.e. What they have been going through, their pain, their treatment and their progress.
4. Do be open to listening to the person’s experiences; their feelings about their pain and their treatment. How the person thinks they are coping. Is the treatment helping them?
5. Do ask them how much they know about taking pain relievers containing codeine.
6. Do ask what they have been told about pain relievers containing codeine by their pharmacist or doctor.
7. Do encourage them to seek further information or advice about pain relievers containing codeine from their pharmacist or doctor.
8. Do offer to go with them to the pharmacist or doctor if they are uncertain.

"DON'T's"

1. Don’t be judgemental.
2. Don’t be blaming or accusatory.
3. Don’t assume a severe problem such as addiction.
4. Don’t’ become confronting or aggressive.

This advice is given by Malcolm Desland, who is a Counselling Psychologist and has worked with many people with drug and alcohol problems in a range of contexts over the last 24 years. This has included individuals suffering from drug and alcohol problems and their family members. This has been both in the public and private health sectors, across inpatient and outpatient treatment settings.

Mr Desland is a member of the Australian Psychological Society (APS), a registered psychologist in NSW and is a member of the Australasian Professional Society on Alcohol and Drugs (APSAD).