Misuse of codeine-Ibuprofen analgesics poses a big health risk

A review was conducted on 115 deaths that occurred over a 10 year period. Codeine –Ibuprofen analgesics were mentioned in all these cases either on the toxicology report or the coroners’ reports. The researchers examined the cases to look for NSAID or non steroidal anti inflammatory drug toxicity. Seven of the cases showed chronic toxicity by NSAID and two other cases could be linked to misuse of the analgesic. "Medications, such as Nurofen Plus, that are available over the counter are often assumed to be harmless; however, excessive doses can have significant side effects, including major organ damage and death," Dr Pilgrim, a research fellow at the Department of Forensic said."We know that some people with an addiction to codeine in these formulations are taking up to 40 tablets a day. Cases of up to 100 tablets a day have been reported. "It is highly worrying that people are able to source such large amounts of this medication without a prescription."