Codeine-related deaths

Almost half of codeine-related deaths in Australia from 2000 to 2013 are attributable to accidental overdose, say researchers. Deaths related to codeine, which soon could be available only on prescription, more than doubled in Australia between 2000 and 2009.

There was a jump from 3.5 to 8.7 per million population, with a 9.3 per cent rise each year, say researchers who found the increase mainly driven by accidental deaths. Almost half were attributed to accidental overdose and a third to intentional self-harm, with education about the dangers of taking too much codeine needed. The study was published in the Medical Journal of Australia in early October.

Trends and characteristics of accidental and intentional codeine overdose deaths in Australia; Amanda Roxburgh, Wayne D Hall, Lucinda Burns, Jennifer Pilgrim, Eva Saar, Suzanne Nielsen and Louisa Degenhardt. Med J Aust 2015; 203 (7): 299