INTERVIEW – The death of two adolescents after codeine abuse raises the question of how the molecule was delivered. Prescription is being considered.
Since the beginning of the year, 5 teenagers have been seriously intoxicated with codeine. Not because they were in pain, but for recreation. Two of them died from this hijacking. The mother of Pauline, one of these victims, has launched a petition on Change.org. She asks for the compulsory prescription of drugs containing codeine.
Because drug high is a little too easy at the moment. For less than five euros, it is possible to buy a box of codeine paracetamol. Without presenting a prescription. Faced with the problem, the National Medicines Safety Agency (ANSM) recently launched a reflection.
Pharmacists are on the front line to fight against these abuses. How do they organize themselves in the face of unjustified requests? Alain Delgutte, President of the Central Council of the National Order of Pharmacists, representing the holders of pharmacies, answers questions from Why actor.
Has the misuse of these drugs increased?
Alain Delgutte : Recurrently, there are requests for misuse of drugs based on codeine or antihistamine tablets. It affects all populations, but there has been a wave among young people with the Purple drank who turned on social networks.
Pharmacists have an obligation to ensure that the medications they dispense are suitable for the person receiving them. However, we know the drugs that are subject to diversion. When we are asked for several boxes, or several types of molecules, it raises our attention. We then engage in a dialogue to ensure that the goal is indeed therapeutic, and not diverted.
The entire interview with Alain Delgutte, President of the Central Council of the National Order of Pharmacists
Should specialties at risk of diversion be placed under compulsory prescription?
Alain Delgutte : It is not for the National Order of Pharmacists to say so. But be careful not to place all the molecules under prescription, and to deprive the vast majority of French people of an effective product. It is up to pharmacists to determine if there is misuse, and to direct young or old who request it to structures that take care of addiction. It is our daily role.
What can pharmacists do?
Alain Delgutte : Exchange meetings are held regularly with doctors, pharmacists and health authorities. Whatever the ANSM decides, pharmacies will comply and apply the legislation.
In any case, the pharmacist can, and must, refuse to dispense a drug if he considers that this could present a risk to the health of the patient who requests it. This is the whole point of the interview that pharmacists have on demand: to ensure that it meets a therapeutic need and not another need.
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