Doctor suspended for prescribing codeine-containing cough mixtures

[youallhumsup]

Doctor suspended for prescribing codeine-containing cough mixtures
Posted: 10 November 2011 1056 hrs

SINGAPORE: The Singapore Medical Council (SMC) suspended Dr Khaw Chin Choon of Ren Medical Clinic at Yishun Ave 5 for three months for prescribing codeine-containing cough mixtures and hypnotic drugs to patients.

The 46-year-old doctor was also censured for failing to refer patients to specialists such as psychiatrists for further or joint management.

He was also charged with not advising the patient of the risk of cross tolerance from the two prescriptions.

Four other similar charges were also taken into consideration.

Dr Khaw pleaded guilty to nine charges and four other similar charges were taken into consideration.

Disciplinary Committee proceedings against the doctor were held on September 30 following a 2008 complaint from the Ministry of Health.

In a press release issued on Thursday, the Committee said the prolonged prescription of codeine-containing medication and/or the hypnotic drug is inappropriate, unprofessional and potentially addictive and may cause harm to patients.

It said such improper prescription will attract a substantial punishment including suspension.

Dr Khaw has also been ordered to give the Council written undertaking that he will not engage in similar conduct.

His three-month suspension takes effect from October 31.

- CNA/fa

 

[marlena21]

"Graduated" to codeine after finding paracetamol and aspirin were not doing it for my foot (varicose) ulcer pain. Helpful in small doses, but I was surprised at the level of drowsiness it caused, even when off the drug for more than 24 hours. Also, eating lots of fruit is helping to alleviate some of the constipation I was warned about.