Prescription Cough and Cold Products Containing Opioids and the Risk of Opioid Use Disorder in Children and Adolescents (< 18 years of age)

In 2019, Health Canada published a summary of a safety review of opioid-containing products indicated for cough and cold, which found limited evidence to support the effectiveness of these products in children and adolescents (under 18 years of age). The review also found limited evidence to link these products with opioid use disorders and related harms in children and adolescents (under 18 years of age). As a precautionary measure, Health Canada has now limited the use of opioid-containing products indicated for cough and cold for adults only (patients 18 years of age and older) and has notified manufacturers of these products to update the indication and other relevant sections of the CPMs to include this new safety information.

Product safety