Prescribing Co-Proxamol

• You may continue to prescribe off license until stocks run out
• We recommend you clearly record why and your efforts to find alternatives

We have had a number of enquires concerning prescribing co-proxamol and the medico legal position of continuing to do so.

As of January 2008 the normal distribution of co-proxamol has ceased but its usage has not been banned outright. It will remain legal to continue to supply co-proxamol which was distributed prior to 31st December 2007 up until the product expiry date has passed. This will allow time for long term users to find alternative medications.

The Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has recognised that a small number of patients will find it difficult to find a suitable alternative. They have therefore allowed for the provision of a supply of unlicensed co-proxamol, the responsibility for which will lie with the prescriber.

The MDDUS is advising members to cease all prescribing of co-proxamol now, or as soon as practicable, and to consult with long term users on suitable alternatives. The other medical defence organisations are likely to take the same view.

We would advise that, if you do decide to prescribe co-proxamol on an unlicensed basis, you keep detailed records of the reasons for doing so and of the efforts you have made to switch to suitable alternatives.

AM June 2008