Important information about the way we prescribe Codeine

Dear patient,

We are making some changes to the way we prescribe Codeine. Codeine is a schedule 5 Controlled Drug and therefore requires careful prescribing to comply with national guidelines and legislation. We are making these changes to improve patient safety and to manage codeine prescribing across the practice in a consistent way. 

You are currently prescribed co-codamol which is a combined tablet/capsule containing both Codeine and Paracetamol in one. This will now be split and prescribed as Codeine and Paracetamol separately.  

Also, the Codeine will now be prescribed as 15mg tablets, giving you the opportunity to take the paracetamol regularly and vary your codeine intake in smaller steps as part of an agreed plan with your GP. This is to give you increased flexibility in managing your pain. 

Please contact the surgery if you wish to discuss the changes and an appointment with a pharmacist will be arranged for you. 

Kind regards,

Lancaster Medical Practice