Published: March 2013

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MARC's Remarks: December 2012 Meeting

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Prescriber Update 34(1):10
March 2013

The Medicines Adverse Reactions Committee (MARC) held their 152^nd meeting on 6 December 2012.

The MARC reviewed the current use of codeine in children in New Zealand. The MARC noted that the use of codeine in children in New Zealand is relatively low. However, as up to 10% of the population may be ultra-rapid metabolisers, the MARC agreed that this information be highlighted to healthcare professionals¹.

The MARC also reviewed the potential safety signal of the use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and an increased risk of pneumonia. The MARC agreed that the available data was insufficient to confirm a causal effect but the issue should continue to be monitored by Medsafe.

References

1. Medsafe. 2013. Codeine and ultra-rapid metabolisers. Prescriber Update 34(1): 3-4