National
Identification soon needed to buy codeine─── 07:42 Sun, 06 Oct 2013
South Africans will need to produce identification when buying medication containing codeine, Clicks said on Saturday.
"As of 2 January 2014, patients will be required to supply key personal details including identity numbers, when they purchase a range of popular over-the-counter medications...." the retailer said in a statement.
"As of 2 January 2014, patients will be required to supply key personal details including identity numbers, when they purchase a range of popular over-the-counter medications...." the retailer said in a statement.
Codeine, an active ingredient found in a range of flu and pain medication, was proven a successful ingredient but addictive when not used properly.
Nicola Brink of the Self-Medication Manufacturers Association of SA (Smasa) said it was difficult to regulate the dispensing of codeine.
"We also want to protect patients from misuse and abuse of codeine-containing substances."
Brink was aware the initiative could be met with resistance.
"The only alternative is to move all medicine containing codeine to a higher schedule which would require a doctor's prescription...[which] would place a further burden on [the] healthcare system," she said.
- Sapa
