Codeine abuse in SA: SAHPRA to enforce strict measures

The South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) and other health professional regulators are ready to enforce strict measures to address the increasing levels of codeine abuse.

The focal point of this initiative revolves around mandating pharmacies and other medication dispensing entities to digitally record the identity numbers of individuals receiving medications, notably codeine-based pain relievers and cough mixtures.

SAHPRA URGES IMMEDIATE ACTION TO COMBAT ALARMING YOUTH CODEINE ABUSE RATES

SAHPRA underscores the urgency of this action, attributing it to the alarming rates of codeine abuse, particularly among the youth demographic.

Mokgadi Fafudi, SAHPRA’s Inspectorate and Regulatory Compliance Manager, reported SABC emphasised the necessity of collaborative efforts within the industry to identify and rectify existing loopholes contributing to the infiltration of codeine into illicit markets.

“We had to, as stakeholders meet in the industry to see where the loopholes are why are these going into the enlisted market, why are supplies issued incorrectly when there are laws, when there are professionals to safeguard this,” he said.

Fafudi articulated the imperative need for a centralised database to facilitate proactive measures against misuse, overuse, and abuse of codeine-containing medications.

“We need a centralised database where we will be collecting data so that we can prevent, detect and respond immediately when we detect that there is a misuse, overuse and abuse,” he added.

Furthermore, the initiative endeavors to uphold the lawful dispensation of medication, ensuring individuals receive only the prescribed dosage for legitimate health conditions, including pain management and respiratory ailments.

STUDY FINDS DISTURBING RATE THIS SUBSTANCE ABUSE AMONG SCHOOL PUPILS

According to TimesLIVE, recent research conducted across township schools in Mpumalanga and the Free State revealed a disquieting trend, with approximately a quarter of surveyed grade 10 to 12 students admitting to using codeine-based cough mixtures for recreational purposes.

This revelation underscores the longstanding concern among health professionals regarding the misuse of codeine, a substance prevalent in both prescription and over-the-counter medicines across South Africa.

Of particular concern are codeine-containing cough syrups, easily accessible without a prescription, and often consumed in combination with carbonated beverages to mask their bitter taste.

ISSUP CHAIR RAISES ALARM OVER RISING TRAMADOL ABUSE IN NORTH, WEST, AND CENTRAL AFRICA

Sunday Tribune reported, David Bayever, chairperson of the International Society of Substance Use Professionals (ISSUP), voiced apprehension over the escalating opioid abuse, noting a surge in tramadol abuse in North, West, and Central Africa.

This underscores the broader regional challenge of substance abuse, necessitating concerted efforts to address its multifaceted dimensions.