A Fine Gael TD has called for an “urgent” review into rules governing the sale of codeine as new figures reveal that over one million prescriptions were dispensed through public drug schemes in 2022.
The figures do not, however, include privately dispensed prescriptions or over the counter sales for the opiate drug.
The figures were released to Fine Gael TD Colm Burke following a parliamentary question. The response from the HSE showed the number of prescriptions issued through the three main public drug schemes. This includes the General Medical Services Scheme, the Drugs Payment Scheme and the Long-Term Illness Scheme.
READ MORE: Painkillers containing codeine would require prescription under new proposals
In 2022, 1,110,288 codeine prescriptions were issued. This included 25,155 prescriptions to people on the Long Term Illness scheme, 152,653 prescriptions on the Drug Payment Scheme and 955,096 prescriptions on the General Medical Services.
The HSE noted in its response that its figures do not capture privately dispensed prescriptions or claims which were under the monthly Drug Pay Scheme threshold. It also does not include over the counter sales.
Deputy Burke said that the figures showed a 22% increase in sales over the last 10 years and a 17% increase since 2018.
He said: “In addition to codeine, the most commonly prescribed opioid-based medications include fentanyl, tramadol, morphine, and hydromorphone.
“A total of 571,546 prescriptions for those four drugs were dispensed last year, with both increases and declines in the numbers issued depending on the medication type.”
Mr Burke warned that regular use of opioids can “increase a person’s tolerance and dependence” and can lead to “opioid use disorder”.
He also noted that the national drug strategy noted that “Ireland remains a country with a relatively large opiate problem”.
A review into the sale of codeine is currently underway. RTÉ’s Prime Time reported last month that documents it had obtained under Freedom of Information showed that the Department of Health was examining proposals to make the drug prescription only.
Mr Burke said that this idea must be considered.
He continued: “The Health Products Regulatory Authority is currently conducting a review of the method of sale and supply of codeine-containing medicines available without a prescription, and the recommendations will then be assessed by the Department of Health and other stakeholders. I believe this review should be concluded urgently.
“It is important that the review takes into consideration the situation in other countries that have taken steps to prevent codeine misuse and addiction by banning over the counter sales.
“The views of GPS, pharmacists and patients affected by codeine addiction should also be listened to when it comes to any potential change in prescribing practices.”
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