Codeine linctus reclassified to a POM

To avoid any ‘stockpiling’ by patients, all existing codeine linctus stock should now be treated as POM.

All manufacturers (market authorisation holders MAHs) are in the process of updating their product licences to reflect the change to POM. Once the licences have been updated, the MAHs have committed to implement the changes to their product information within 3 months.

Since 2019, there have been increasing reports in the media of codeine linctus being misused as an ingredient in a recreational drink, commonly referred to as ‘Purple Drank’.

The decision to reclassify the medicine has been made following a consultation with independent experts, healthcare professionals and patients. 992 responses were received.

Responses to the consultation identified the pressure pharmacists were under to provide the medicine to those suffering from addiction.

Further information is available in the Drug Safety Update