Cough medicines containing pholcodine withdrawn over safety fears

Certain cough medicines sold behind the counter at pharmacies are being withdrawn over safety concerns.

Health experts say there is a very rare chance that some people could experience an allergic reaction linked to an ingredient called pholcodine.

People should check the packaging of any cough tablets or syrups they have at home to see if pholcodine is listed among the ingredients. If it is, talk to your pharmacist about taking a different medicine.

Products containing pholcodine do not need a prescription, but cannot be bought without consultation with the pharmacist as they are kept behind the counter.

The Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) described removing the products from sale as a precautionary measure.

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Source: BBC News. 15 March 2023