MedicineWise App updates aid transition to prescription-only codeine

The MedicineWise App – developed by independent not-for-profit NPS MedicineWise as a free medication management tool – has been updated to show low-dose codeine combination medicines now only available by prescription, following the up-scheduling of over-the-counter codeine-containing medicines in February.

Makers of low-dose (S2 and S3; Pharmacy Only) codeine combination medicines wishing to continue supplying them as S4 (Prescription Only) were required to submit applications to the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) by late November 2017. The TGA has advised that all applications for newly scheduled S4 medicines received by the deadline have been processed, however some applications arrived late, delaying approval and products reaching pharmacies.

Kishen Kaurah, Mobile-enabled Consumer Products Manager with NPS MedicineWise, says, “The MedicineWise app is to provide up-to-the-minute information about all available medicines in Australia. Medicines containing low-dose codeine, which are now only available by prescription, have been updated on the app, allowing patients and doctors to search for medicines available in pharmacies simply and quickly.

“Helpful content has been added to relevant medications including videos, factsheets and updated medicines information.”

The MedicineWise app allows users to scan the barcodes on medicine packaging or search for medicines by brand name or active ingredient. When products are found, people can add these medicines to their profile and then find additional information about the medicine including Consumer Medicines Information factsheets, videos and PDF information sheets.

Mr Kaurah adds, “The MedicineWise app is a simple and secure resource that allows people to store their medicines and health information, and access accurate up-to-date information about any changes to their medicines. This information is accessible to them anytime and anywhere, which is particularly useful for sharing with their health professionals or if they are travelling.”

TGA listing
For an additional source of information, the TGA has published a list of all products that have been through the up-scheduling process and may be legally supplied. These products, some of which may not be currently available in pharmacies, include combinations such as:

• paracetamol/codeine
  
• ibuprofen/codeine
  
• paracetamol/codeine/doxylamine
  
• paracetamol/pseudoephedrine/codeine.
  

Find more information about the MedicineWise app.

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