Canada: New safety measures for Rx codeine and hydrocodone to further restrict use in children and adolescents

29 July 2016

Medicines regulator Health Canada is taking new action to improve the safe use of two prescription opioid drugs, codeine and hydrocodone, to help further address the rare but potentially life-threatening risk of breathing problems in children and adolescents.

Serious breathing problems known as respiratory depression (slowed breathing) are a known risk with the use of any opioid, particularly when too much is taken.

The action is in light of Health Canada safety reviews that identified the need for new warnings and restrictions on prescription codeine and hydrocodone products, to enhance their safe use. Specifically, the reviews determined that:

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