As of the 1st of February 2018, the Therapeutic Goods Administration has up-scheduled products containing codeine from over-the-counter availability to requiring a prescription from a healthcare provider. Here at Sigma Healthcare, we recognised that while the decision was made for sound reasons, it was likely to have a direct impact on patients within our network who are undergoing pain management treatments and may be left wondering what options are now available to them.
The Australian Pharmaceutical Journal (AJP) recently spoke with Senior Pharmacist James Neville about Sigma’s commitment to supporting pharmacies and patients in the transition to codeine becoming prescription only. “We’ve been working behind the scenes to make sure pharmacists are well-prepared with access to a huge range of resources including process and training guides, checklists to prepare for the changeover date, dialogue guides and FAQs,” says James in the AJP article.
These measures are aimed to support patients seeking relief from pain, while working with GPs to find appropriate long-term solutions. For example, Amcal’s Pain Management plans leverage the extensive programs available from the Sigma Resource Centre, , which empowers Sigma Healthcare members and their patients with the tools they need to develop a truly personalised, sustainable approach to pain management.
James sums it up perfectly in the AJP article, stating that “By preparing our pharmacists, we’re ensuring that customers will be supported through the change as much as possible.”
Learn more about the leading-edge tools available to pharmacists within the Sigma Healthcare network by contacting us, or visit one of our Amcal, Discount Drug Stores or Guardian pharmacies to discuss your pain management plan.
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