Following the conclusion of a review by the the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency, all pholcodine-containing medicines are being recalled and withdrawn from the UK as a precaution. They will therefore no longer be available in pharmacies.

Data has demonstrated that pholcodine use, particularly in the 12 months before general anaesthesia with neuromuscular blocking agents (NMBAs), is a risk factor for developing an anaphylactic reaction to NMBAs. There is no increased risk of allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, with other allergens following pholcodine use and the absolute risk in patients who have used pholcodine is very small.

Please see the Drug Safety Update for further information including advice for healthcare professionals to provide to patients.