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“Around 10 million people” in the UK may be at risk of becoming dependent on codeine-based painkillers, broadcaster ITV warned in a documentary that went out last Thursday (May 28).

A survey of 2,000 UK adults carried out for the ITV Tonight programme found that almost one in five who have taken codeine medicines did so for longer than 10 consecutive days, while one in six took them for up to nine days.

The documentary heard from industry experts who were concerned about a lack of data on the scale of the problem, with the GPhC telling the programme: “There is a challenge in that the data that is available isn’t joined up”.

The Department of Health and Social Care said it was committed to tacking medicine dependency and that “all over-the-counter medicines are kept under continuous review”.

Consumer health trade body PAGB told ITV that OTC medicines play a “key role in helping people safely manage common conditions when used as directed”.

PAGB added: “It is important that people read the safety information on the packaging and in the patient information leaflet included in every pack, and take medicines as directed.

“Anyone who is unsure about the appropriate use of OTC medicines should speak to a pharmacist, who can offer expert advice.”

Roz Gittins, chief pharmacy officer at the GPhC, commented: "We recognise that the experiences highlighted in the programme may be concerning, particularly for people who have experience of dependence on over-the-counter medicines or those who have supported someone who has.  

“We fully acknowledge the impact this can have on individuals, families and the wider community, and take appropriate action when concerns are raised with us.  

“We don’t believe that there should be open display of P medicines without key safeguards being in place – specifically that there is pharmacist supervision.

“This facilitated self-selection means a person may choose their medication, but the pharmacy team would need to ensure that it is suitable before supplying it: the same applies for online sales.”

The Pharmacists’ Defence Association warned: “These findings reinforce long-standing concerns within the pharmacist profession about the risks associated with medicines that are readily accessible but carry addiction potential.”

The PDA said the ITV report “highlights that individuals can attempt to bypass safeguards through ‘pharmacy hopping’” which it said demonstrates the need for “vigilant, consistent professional intervention at every supply point”.

The PDA pointed to its research that indicated 94 per cent of pharmacists oppose facilitated self-selection of P medicines, citing concerns around inappropriate medicines use, reduced pharmacist oversight and the potential for theft.

Both the GPhC and the PDA suggested that the creation of a single patient record will support pharmacists in making safe sales of OTC medicines by helping to identify patients who may be experiencing addiction.