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Original poster

The pharmacy wouldn't sell me codeine and now I'm upset.

153 replies

Pumpkinstace · 30/04/2022 15:18

I'm not sure if I was wrong for wanting it.

A couple of weeks ago I slipped in the bath and damaged a tendon in the back of my knee. I can't bend my leg or lock my leg straight.

The pain varies day to day but it's slowly getting better. Last night I had a bad night. No matter what position I was in the pain was radiating up my thigh and down my calf and my ankle. I could only get comfy in one position which has now created a stiff neck.

I'm in work today and struggling. I took pain killers last night and this morning but they haven't had any effect.

I went to the pharmacy across the road and asked the woman behind the counter for some painkillers slightly stronger. She said she would need to check with the pharmacist. She went I've and whispered something to him and he came over and quite bluntly said 'I'm not selling you codeine'. He gave me deep heat and told me to rub it on the pain. Except the pain is all over my leg and in my neck where I can't reach.

I've not actually asked for codeine, just something stronger that paracetamol....I've not washed my hair either and I'm wearing dirty work clothes.

He thought I was an addict didn't he?

OP posts:
Theunamedcat · 30/04/2022 15:19

Yup

dollymuchymuchness · 30/04/2022 15:20

A GP has to prescribe stronger painkillers, you can’t just buy them.

chipsandpeas · 30/04/2022 15:21

dollymuchymuchness · 30/04/2022 15:20

A GP has to prescribe stronger painkillers, you can’t just buy them.

you can buy cocodomal over the counter - 8/500s

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General health
dangerrabbit · 30/04/2022 15:23

Go to a different pharmacy and ask for what you want by brand name. Solpadene max is the highest available without prescription (12/500).

NotDavidTennant · 30/04/2022 15:24

Just go to a different pharmacist and ask spefically for cocodamol.

Original poster
Pumpkinstace · 30/04/2022 15:24

You can buy over the counter, you don't need a prescription. I didn't even know what would be the best thing and wanted advice really but he was really short with me.

I got an air of disdain from him. Now I'm in pain and embarrassed.

OP posts:
Silvercatowner · 30/04/2022 15:25

Tell the pharmacist you've got toothache and the dentist has recommended cocodamol OTC and you'll be fine.

NeedAHoliday2021 · 30/04/2022 15:25

Get paracetamol and ibuprofen. Take both staggered up to max and keep going for a few days - it builds up and will help (that was the combo I used post csection and was surprised it was strong enough so gp explained how paracetamol doesn’t do much taken once but taken regularly is very effective.

Blossomtoes · 30/04/2022 15:25

dollymuchymuchness · 30/04/2022 15:20

A GP has to prescribe stronger painkillers, you can’t just buy them.

You can. I’ve bought cocodemol over the counter.

Abraxan · 30/04/2022 15:25

dollymuchymuchness · 30/04/2022 15:20

A GP has to prescribe stronger painkillers, you can’t just buy them.

This isn't correct. There are stronger pain meds you can buy OTC, without prescription, including some of the paracetamol/codeine combinations.

ISpyCobraKai · 30/04/2022 15:27

Definitely different chemist and ask for Solpadeine Max.
They can refuse to sell it, but that shouldn't be based on your clothing!

Theunamedcat · 30/04/2022 15:27

Have you taken paracetamol today? They wont sell it to you if you have because of the overdose risk

Pegasaurus · 30/04/2022 15:27

A GP has to prescribe stronger painkillers, you can’t just buy them

Not true. Chemists sell stronger, codeine painkillers but they are kept behind the counter and have to be asked for. They're not handed out willy nilly.

Think you're probably right in your assumption, OP, this would explain his blunt/assertiveness.

Hope the deep heat brings some relief.

LoveSpringDaffs · 30/04/2022 15:27

Go elsewhere.

honestly get some pain relief. You need to think about getting it looked at though, you might have done some damage that needs 'help'

ISpyCobraKai · 30/04/2022 15:29

Theunamedcat · 30/04/2022 15:27

Have you taken paracetamol today? They wont sell it to you if you have because of the overdose risk

You can take it every four hours, same with codeine.

Original poster
Pumpkinstace · 30/04/2022 15:30

Honestly, I look a right state today.

Unwashed and covered in work dust plus hardly any sleep.

I didn't shower because I've got a fear since the fall and I didn't feel sturdy enough this morning.

OP posts:
Grumpybutfunny · 30/04/2022 15:31

He shouldn't be judging you for your clothes at all!!! I do a NHS job that gets me called in I'm expected to give the same answer in a hoody vs uniform. I would complain to the pharmacy to be honest.

Go to a different pharmacy and ask for solphadine max by name and they should discuss it with you

MissWired · 30/04/2022 15:32

Torn tendons will not always heal on their own - you need to see a GP.

tomatoandherbs · 30/04/2022 15:32

They were absolutely correct not to sell to you

you injured your back “a couple of weeks ago”. That means you’ve been taking high strength over the counter pain relief for a minimum of a fortnight

Original poster
Pumpkinstace · 30/04/2022 15:34

I will go back to the gp but it's a back hol weekend so I need to wait until Tuesday.

OP posts:
tomatoandherbs · 30/04/2022 15:34

Pumpkinstace · 30/04/2022 15:30

Honestly, I look a right state today.

Unwashed and covered in work dust plus hardly any sleep.

I didn't shower because I've got a fear since the fall and I didn't feel sturdy enough this morning.

So you’ve been taking for 2 weeks
And you are in this state when you went to collect

OP - can’t you see they would have been totally irresponsible to provide another pack for you?

tomatoandherbs · 30/04/2022 15:36

Are you actually dealing with the issue in a physical sense rather than masking the pain?

Original poster
Pumpkinstace · 30/04/2022 15:37

I haven't. I've been taking normal paracetamol and ibuprofen up until now but they aren't working. I told them this and that the last dose I had which was 2 ibuprofen at 7am this morning.

I only take them when needed, so for about 4 days after the injury and only a couple of times since.

I don't like taking painkillers unless I need them.

OP posts:
Dobbysgotthesocks · 30/04/2022 15:37

tomatoandherbs · 30/04/2022 15:32

They were absolutely correct not to sell to you

you injured your back “a couple of weeks ago”. That means you’ve been taking high strength over the counter pain relief for a minimum of a fortnight

@tomatoandherbs go back and read the OP again. It very clearly states the pain was worse last night hence needing stronger pain killers. The OP has said nothing about taking strong painkillers for the past two weeks!

Jaxhog · 30/04/2022 15:40

Have you tried voltarol? This worked for me when I tore a tendon in my knee. That and frozen peas in a tea towel.

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