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codeine

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Former Boots pharmacist who stole codeine has suspension extended by six months

Sam Haswell failed to tell the GPhC about a police caution from Northumbria Police for theft by employee within seven days.

23 Apr 2026

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Inquest hears no specialist dependency-forming medicines service exists

The coroner said Michael Paul Barry died from “fatal complications of a community acquired pneumonia on a background of excessive use of codeine medication."

01 Jul 2025

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OTC opioids: Pharmacy’s dirty little secret

How can we motivate people to reduce their use of OTC opioids?

28 Jun 2024

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Codeine linctus to be reclassified as POM because of risk of abuse

Codeine linctus is to be reclassified to a prescription-only medicine due to the risk of abuse, dependency and overdose, the MHRA has announced.

20 Feb 2024

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Know the pain code - RED

The final module in this 3-part series will help you identify customers at risk of misusing analgesia and offers practical advice for handling difficult conversations

27 Nov 2023

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Know the pain code - AMBER

This video will empower you to deal with 'amber' situations, with practical advice to apply when concerns of codeine misuse are identified.

02 Oct 2023

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MHRA consults on taking codeine linctus POM

Consultation launched after multiple Yellow Card reports indicate that codeine linctus being used recreationally for its opioid effects, says MHRA.

18 Jul 2023

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The Pain Code Conversation

In the first video of a 3-part series, discover how The Pain Code can support you with analgesic stewardship, plus practical advice for consultations with customers deemed suitable for supply.

05 Jun 2023

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GPhC suspends locum after conviction for fraudulent codeine script

Pharmacist receives four-month suspension after pleading guilty to writing fraudulent prescription

16 Dec 2022

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Pharmacy manager jailed after selling codeine to drug dealer

Ex-manager sentenced to two years and five months for illegally selling codeine and other drugs.

19 May 2022

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GPhC: Some online prescribing pharmacists ‘out of their depth’

Some pharmacists accused of “not understanding the prescribing process they were involved in”.  

23 Sep 2021

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PDA urges members to be aware of remote prescribing risks

The PDA has warned members they are putting patients at risk if medicines they prescribe are not made known to their GP.

08 Apr 2021

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Six pharmacies forced to stop selling codeine P-meds

The GPhC has taken enforcement action against six pharmacies stopping them from selling or supplying codeine linctus preparations without a prescription. 

11 Sep 2020

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Pharmacy owner's son jailed for selling controlled drugs

A pharmacy worker has been jailed for six years for illegally selling controlled drugs he purchased through his mother’s pharmacy.

27 Jan 2020

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