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Advertising codeine to the general public is prohibited

Information for sponsors and advertisers about advertising codeine.

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Codeine is a prescription-only medicine and cannot be advertised to the public. Understand how to mention codeine in education activities and directly to health professionals.

Medicines containing codeine are no longer available without a prescription from a health professional.

We prohibit advertising prescription-only medicines, such as codeine to the public.

We recognise the need for a factual dialogue around codeine and other prescription pain-relief products. However, if the information is promotional, it would be considered an advertisement and illegal.

Pain management education involving codeine

If education material is factual, balanced and non-promotional it may not be considered advertising.

For help and more information see: Advertising requirements for disease education activities.

Advertising codeine to health professionals

Prescription-only medicines can be advertised exclusively to health professionals. 

To find out more details and what the requirements are see: Advertising to health professionals so that consumer rules do not apply.

You cannot advertise to pharmacy assistants

Pharmacy assistants are members of public and you cannot advertise prescription-only medicines to them.

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