60% rise in elderly patients being prescribed codeine

The figures were provided in response to a parliamentary question from TD Colm Burke after it was revealed over a million prescriptions were issued for codeine last year, a 22% jump over the last ten years. Picture: Gareth Chaney/Collins

The number of elderly patients being prescribed highly addictive codeine has soared by 60% in the past decade. 

A senior geriatrician has called for re-evaluation of the reduced use of non-steroidal drugs, and for limits on waiting times for hip and other surgeries.