In news published this September 26, the National Agency for the Safety of Medicines and Health Products (ANSM) warns of the risk of “misuse, dependence, abuse and overdose”, linked to Tramadol and codeine , opioid medications. This is why all medicines “containing tramadol or codeine (or dihydrocodeine) must be prescribed on a secure prescription from December 1, 2024”.
The authorities specify that changes will also be made regarding the maximum prescription duration of codeine over that of tramadol. “These medications cannot be prescribed for more than three months (12 weeks) without requiring a new secure prescription,” writes the ANSM. These two measures also concern dihydrocodeine.
In addition, new measures are being put in place to provide better information on the risks of dependence and overdose. Also, “we are considering in particular asking laboratories to affix alert notices on boxes of medicines containing tramadol or codeine,” adds the ANSM.
As a reminder, “tramadol and codeine can be present in medicines alone or in combination with other substances, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen”. They are indicated for treatment of moderate to severe pain. In addition, certain medications containing codeine in their composition “are indicated in the treatment of dry coughs (…)
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