Tramadol
The Pharmaceutical Society of Ghana (PSGH) has stated that the dosage of the opioid analgesic — Tramadol (200mg/250mg), popularly called TRAMOL — has not been approved for use in the country.
Raising concerns over the abuse of the medicine in the country in recent times by the youth, the society said the approved dosage of Tramadol for Ghana by the Food & Drug Authority (FDA) is the 50mg and 100mg oral capsules.
“Even though Tramadol is an approved drug for the management of pain, the strengths approved for use in Ghana are the 50mg and 100mg oral capsules,” a release signed by PSGH President, Pharm Benjamin K. Botwe, indicated.
He said Tramadol which is used to treat moderate to severe pain comes in many different forms, strengths and brands, adding that when it is taken, it works on the nervous system and the brain to reduce the feeling of pain.
“It should, however, be noted that the perception of good feeling that leads to abuse and misuse can lead to long-term consequences such as weakness, sleepiness, insomnia, panic attacks and other symptoms of opioid dependence. In some cases, overdose of Tramadol may lead to difficulty in breathing and even death,” he disclosed.
Pharm Botwe stated that the proliferation and use of this higher strength Tramadol, most of which are unregistered and unapproved, has the tendency to threaten the gains made in the provision of healthcare in the country.
“It has been noted in Ghana that this high dose Tramadol is mostly found in highly-populated and concentrated areas, including markets and lorry stations in some parts of the country,” he said.
The PSGH president, however, acknowledged the rampant abuse of this high strength product, especially in the Sahel region, and the challenges regulatory agencies throughout the ECOWAS region were facing with regards to the distribution and sale of the product.
Pharm Botwe added that efforts were being made with support from international agencies, including the United Nations Office on Drug and Crime (UNODC), to curb the menace.
The society, therefore, called on the public to report any sale of Tramadol outside of licensed pharmacies to the Food & Drugs Authority (FDA)/ Pharmacy Council offices across the country, as well as teachers, parents and care-givers to be on the lookout for suspected behaviours of their students, children and wards.
“For patients who are receiving treatment with prescribed Tramadol, we wish to encourage you to always present your prescriptions at licensed pharmacies and demand to speak with the pharmacist on the dangers and possible side effects of Tramadol before taking it. We call on abusers turned addicts to seek help and wish to caution the youth who take it for recreation because of its euphoric effect to stop, as the long-term implication could have dire consequences on their health,” he advised.
By Jamila Akweley Okertchiri