The Consumer Protection Council (CPC) in Nigeria has warned against the consumption of medications containing codeine. The Director General of the council, Mr. Babatunde Irukera who disclosed this in a statement said although codeine has not been declared an illegal drug, it is classified as a narcotic substance.
He added that “the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), said expectorants/cough syrups containing codeine may not be dispensed as non-prescriptive Over the Counter (OTC) medication”.
Mr Irukera further urged medical professionals to stop prescription of cough medication containing codeine to minors because of its properties and propensity to promote addiction and other exposure to illegal drug use.
“As such, it is illegal and a violation of law to attempt to purchase, as well as dispense any such medication, except exclusively in accordance with prescription by a qualified and legitimate medical practitioner. Any possession, delivery or provision of these medications in the absence of a prescription, or legal acquisition but dispensing to a person other than whom it is specifically prescribed for, is a violation of law, constitutes drug abuse, and presents significant medical risks including possible injury, risky behaviour, addiction, and in extreme cases (especially pediatrics), fatality”, he warns.
He advised that cough medication with codeine should be prescribed, dispensed and administered in an abundance of caution and only in strict compliance with professional medical direction.
The Director General also warns that violation of law with respect to dispensing, possessing and consuming illegal drugs, or legal drugs illegally is criminal and may subject offenders to apprehension, detention and prosecution, including by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), and upon conviction, a sentence to a term of imprisonment.
