MeReC update on Co-Proxamol
June 1, 2006 on 10:49 am | In Prescribing Extra - Other |
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The National Prescribing Centre has published a MeReC Bulletin that examines the progress made on the withdrawal of co-proxamol and the alternative simple analgesics.
The bulletin provides an update on the current prescribing level of co-proxamol showing a 70% decrease in prescribing between December 2004 and December 2005. However, the current level of prescribing is still around 500,000 prescriptions each quarter and this has not changed dramatically since June 2005.
The bulletin also suggests a pain management strategy for acute and chronic mild to moderate pain. Paracetamol is suggested as the first step with ibuprofen and weak opioids substituted or added in later steps.
Action: Clinicians who treat acute and chronic mild to moderate pain will find the pain management strategy a useful resource. The bulletin also serves as a reminder to reduce co-proxamol prescribing before the licenses are revoked at the end of 2007.
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