The MHRA has issued advice for healthcare professionals regarding the withdrawal of pholcodine-containing medicines from the market.
These medicines are being withdrawn from sale as a precaution and will no longer be available from pharmacies. A recent a review found that their benefits do not outweigh the increased risk of the very rare event of anaphylaxis to neuromuscular blocking agents (NMBAs) used in general anaesthesia.
Pharmacists are advised not to dispense or sell pholcodine-containing medicines, but to recommend alternatives and quarantine stock for return to wholesalers.
Action: Clinicians should be aware of this withdrawal and cease issuing prescriptions for pholcodine. Patients should be directed to pharmacies for advice and recommendation for alternatives.