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International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction

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01-08-2016

A Comparative Exploration of Community Pharmacists’ Views on the Nature and Management of Over-the-Counter (OTC) and Prescription Codeine Misuse in Three Regulatory Regimes: Ireland, South Africa and the United Kingdom

Authors: Tara Carney, John Wells, Michael Bergin, Siphokazi Dada, Michelle Foley, Padraig McGuiness, Anna Rapca, Eileen Rich, Marie Claire Van Hout

Published in: International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction | Issue 4/2016

Abstract

Misuse of codeine containing preparations is a public health concern given the potential for associated harms and dependence. This study explores the perspectives of community pharmacists in three regulatory regimes on issues of customer misuse of over-the-counter (OTC) and prescribed codeine. A qualitative design comprising six focus groups (n = 45) was conducted in Ireland, United Kingdom, South Africa. Transcripts were analysed using the constant comparative method of content analysis. Pharmacists described popular codeine-containing products and the need for improved medicine information and warning labels. Issues around legitimate availability of codeine and regulatory status; presence of therapeutic need; difficulties in customer–pharmacist communication; business environments and retail focus were raised. Participants also discussed how they identified customers potentially misusing codeine and difficulties in relationships between pharmacists and prescribers. A number of recommendations were put forward as ways to manage the issues. The study highlights the difficulties encountered by community pharmacists operating under various regulatory regimes when supplying codeine containing preparations in negotiating patient awareness and compliance and potential ways to deal with misuse and dependence.

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Title: A Comparative Exploration of Community Pharmacists’ Views on the Nature and Management of Over-the-Counter (OTC) and Prescription Codeine Misuse in Three Regulatory Regimes: Ireland, South Africa and the United Kingdom
Authors: Tara Carney
John Wells
Michael Bergin
Siphokazi Dada
Michelle Foley
Padraig McGuiness
Anna Rapca
Eileen Rich
Marie Claire Van Hout
Publication date: 01-08-2016
Publisher: Springer US
Published in: International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction / Issue 4/2016
Print ISSN: 1557-1874
Electronic ISSN: 1557-1882
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11469-016-9640-z

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

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A Comparative Exploration of Community Pharmacists’ Views on the Nature and Management of Over-the-Counter (OTC) and Prescription Codeine Misuse in Three Regulatory Regimes: Ireland, South Africa and the United Kingdom

Abstract

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

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