Painaustraliais very concerned about reports that codeine-containing medicines have shot upin price since they became prescription only on 1 February 2018.
Minsterfor Health Greg Hunt has made a request for the Australian Competition andConsumer Commission to investigate this alleged pricing increase.
PainaustraliaCEO Carol Bennett says any price increase seems cruel and unjustified.
"Peoplewith chronic pain already face enormous pressures. They are often unable towork full time, have numerous expenses due to medical appointments and treatments,and are not in a position to absorb any additional costs.
"We areextremely dismayed to hear of alleged increases in the price ofcodeine-containing products and we join Minister for Health Greg Hunt in hiscondemnation of this practice.
"At atime when codeine is less available, industry and pharmacists are reportedly puttingthe price up. If true, this isunacceptable from government supported health providers."
One infive Australians lives with chronic pain, which impacts mental health as wellas emotional wellbeing, ability to earn an income and overall quality of life.
Chronicpain is the leading cause of forced retirement in people of working age,absenteeism in the workforce and long-term disability.
Thedecision to make codeine prescription only was based on the recommendation ofall state and territory chief medical and pharmacy officers and the TherapeuticGoods Administration.
Itfollowed restrictions in 25 other countries due to concern about harms,inefficacy for chronic pain, dependence and over 100 codeine related overdosesin Australia per year.
"Australianswho experience ongoing pain are often struggling to keep working andcontributing to their families and communities.
"It’sunfair to suddenly make them pay more for their medications," said Ms Bennett. ---
