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A new research project from Ulster University will explore how community pharmacies can be supported to tackle dependency on OTC codeine products.

The three-year project from researchers at the university’s school of pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences will look at how training and clearer referral pathways might help pharmacy teams to identify possible codeine dependence and support patients.

The researchers have identified challenges pharmacists face when a patient requires further assessment or specialist support including “limited or unclear referral pathways”. 

The project, which launches on September 25 to coincide with World Pharmacists Day, is funded by the Northern Pharmacies Limited Trust Fund (NPLTF). 

The university commented: “The new research will explore how these challenges can be addressed, building on the support community pharmacy teams already provide and helping to create an approach that is practical for pharmacists, acceptable to patients and connected to appropriate health and social care services.”

Department of Health figures show 10.4 million doses of combination painkillers were purchased by Northern Ireland pharmacies in 2024, a 6.9 per cent jump compared to the previous year.

Lead researcher Kingston Rajiah said: “Pharmacists already provide advice, reassurance and support in these situations. What can be more difficult is knowing what the next step should be when someone needs additional or specialist help, particularly where established referral pathways are limited. 

“Our research is therefore not about replacing what community pharmacists already do. It is about working with the profession to understand how that role can be better supported through appropriate training, practical resources and clearer pathways to further care. 

“We also want to make sure that conversations about dependence are approached sensitively. People may begin using these medicines appropriately for pain and only gradually find that their pattern of use has changed. Our focus is on providing support without judgement and helping people access appropriate care as early as possible.” 

Community pharmacist Andy Sprinks said: “Codeine-containing painkillers are medicines that many people will have used at some point, often for a genuine need such as an injury or short-term pain.

“But for some people, what starts as taking a medicine for pain can gradually become something they feel they cannot manage without. As a community pharmacist, I’ve seen first-hand how difficult these conversations can be.

“This research is about understanding the scale of the problem and finding practical ways for pharmacy teams to spot the signs earlier, have those difficult conversations and help people access the right support, while ensuring those who genuinely need pain relief can continue to access it safely.”