Codeine painkillers addictive in three days

OVER-the-counter painkillers containing codeine are addictive after just three days and should carry visible health warnings, Britain’s drug watchdog has warned.

From next year in Britain, painkillers such as Solpadeine Plus and Nurofen Plus will carry prominent warnings on the label stating the dangers of addiction following growing concern about misuse of the drugs.

A spokesperson for the Irish Medicines Board (IMB) said no such measures will be introduced here. The regulatory body said there is an “appropriate level” of restricted access to the painkillers.