The results of our reader poll on changes to the supply of codeine-based pain medication are in.
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There were 233 votes with the majority (76.82%) saying they did not support the changes – scroll to the end of the story to see the full results.
From Thursday, February 1 codeine-based pain medication is no longer available over the counter at pharmacies and shops.
Customers now have to get a prescription from their doctor under the controversial changes introduced by the Therapeutic Goods Administration.
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While the Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt stands by the changes, insisting up to 100 lives a year can be saved when codeine is taken off store shelves, many fear the changes will lead to over-crowded GP waiting rooms and increased pressure on hospital outpatient departments.
As well as voting in our poll readers took to Facebook to share their feelings on the issue:
Janine Watson
Group digital journalist for the NSW Mid North Coast covering Forster to Bellingen, Wauchope and beyond.
Group digital journalist for the NSW Mid North Coast covering Forster to Bellingen, Wauchope and beyond.
