Prescription opioids hub

Find information on safe and effective prescribing and use of opioids.

Last updated

25 June 2025

To minimise the harm caused by opioid prescription medicines to Australians each year, a number of regulatory changes are being implemented.

The changes will ensure the safe and effective prescribing and use of opioids while maintaining access for patients who need them.

Prescription opioids: What changes are being made and why

Pharmaceutical opioids are now responsible for far more deaths and poisoning hospitalisations in Australia than illegal opioids such as heroin.
Prescription opioids information for consumers, patients and carers

Find out what the changes mean for you or your loved ones, including answers to commonly asked questions.
Prescription opioids information for health professionals

Understand the impact of the regulatory changes, and how to implement best practice opioid prescribing for people living with pain while ensuring adequate pain management.
Opioid reforms: information for sponsors

Advice for sponsors implementing changes in 2021.
Opioids: boxed warning and class statements

Understand the required boxed warning and class statements for opioids.
Opioid resources

A collection of tools and resources for consumers, patients and carers, as well as health professionals, on pain management services.

Codeine

Codeine advice and support if you have chronic pain

Support resources and information for individuals experiencing chronic pain.
Chronic pain management video resource - Brainman

Watch a series of videos about chronic pain management featuring Brainman.
Codeine use can be harmful

Learn about the health risks of using codeine.
Physiotherapist fact sheet: talking to people about the changes to codeine access

How to talk to your patients, who can longer access codeine, and provide physiotherapy care as an alternative.
Codeine education resources for health professionals

Resources for pharmacists, general practitioners and other health professionals on codeine.
Codeine harm and efficacy literature

Access codeine articles from MedicineToday about codeine harm and efficacy.
National Codeine Communication Strategy

A Nationally Coordinated Codeine Implementation Working Group has been established.