Good Morning Britain’s Dr Hilary Jones offered viewers his advice on taking precautions after a number of cough medicines were withdrawn from shelves.
Products from brands including Boots and Superdrug have been removed as a precaution amid concerns over very rare cases of allergic reaction, in a decision taken by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).
Dr Hilary appeared on Wednesday morning’s instalment of Good Morning Britain to discuss the 20 medicines being withdrawn and explained it was over the ingredient pholcodine.
He told hosts Susanna Reid and Ed Balls pholcodine is an opioid-based ingredient used as a cough suppressant and is ‘very common’.
He said: “I have to say, this is a precaution. The risk of this anaphylactic reaction is very, very small. However, safety is paramount.”
He then cited a very rare possibility of people who have taken these cough medicines then experiencing an allergic reaction when combined with general anaesthetic.
He then suggested to viewers: “If you have an unexpected need for a general anaesthetic, you tell the anaesthetist that you might have taken pholcodine at some point in the previous year.
“They will say, don’t worry, we’re quite confident and skilled in dealing with anaphylaxis should it happen – we’ll be ready.
“It’s not going to stop anyone having an operation at all. I have never seen this reaction in 45 years of medical practice. Most doctors won't have.”
He continued: “The advice people are being given is to go and talk to a pharmacist and say what are the alternatives?
“The pharmacist will say, give me that back, I'll dispose of that for you and suggest alternatives – hot lemon and honey, steam inhalation, lozenges.”
As Dr Hilary noted the risk is ‘tiny’, prompting host Ed to ask if he would throw away any of these medicines if he had them at home, which he said he would not.
He explained: “It’s an effective dry cough remedy which has been around for 70 years.”
Professor Claire Anderson, president of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society, said: “All products containing the cough suppressant pholcodine have been withdrawn due to concerns of its potential to cause a severe allergic reaction in some people having general anaesthesia for surgery.
“The risk to patients who have used pholcodine is very small. If you are due to have surgery, please speak to your pharmacist or medical team for advice.
“This withdrawal is needed as safety of patients is paramount and we support efforts to ensure that all medicines on the market are safe and effective.”
