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OTC codeine misuse — GPhC CRA MCQ

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ModeratePharmacy LawOTC codeine misuseGPhC CRA

A 25-year-old man attends the pharmacy asking to buy codeine linctus for a persistent cough. He has been buying it regularly over the past three months from different pharmacies. What is the most appropriate action?

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Correct answer: D — Refuse the sale, counsel the patient about the risks of codeine dependence, and advise him to see his GP about the persistent cough

Regular purchase of codeine-containing products from multiple pharmacies over three months raises concern about misuse and dependence. The pharmacist has a professional responsibility to refuse the sale if there is reason to believe the product is being misused. The patient should be counselled about the risks of codeine dependence and referred to the GP for both assessment of the persistent cough and consideration of dependence management. Pholcodine has been suspended by the MHRA.

Reference: MEP; GPhC Standards; MHRA