From December 1, 2024the prescription of medicines containing tramadol, codeine and dihydrocodeinewill be subject to strict rules imposed by the ANSM (decision of September 24, 2024). These medicines can, in particular, only be delivered with a secure prescription. Below, the essential points of this decision :
• Medicines concerned : tramadol, codeine and dihydrocodeine, whether used alone or associated to other substances such as paracetamol or ibuprofen.
• Secure prescription : this order contains tamper-proof elements, such as pre-printed information, a watermark and microletters. “Classic” prescriptions issued before December 1, 2024will remain valid until they expire.
• Limitation de prescription : the maximum prescription duration for codeine will now be 12 weeks, just like tramadol. Beyond this period, a new prescription will be necessary.
• Authorized professionals : midwives will be able to prescribe these medications, provided you use a secure prescription, in accordance with current regulations.
• Writing prescriptions : the doses, the number of doses and the quantity must be written in full on the prescription to avoid any falsification.
• Approved printers : only printers approved by AFNOR can produce these prescriptions: https://certificats-attestations.afnor.org/referential/NF280.
We advise you to contact them without delay, as they may face supply difficulties due to the high volume of requests and deadlines.
These measures aim to strengthen the safety of these sensitive medicines, and to better control their use by limiting the risks of dependence or fraud.
For more information on the practical details of this change, we invite you to consult the detailed note attached.
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