Painkillers to be removed from NZ market

Two lines of painkillers are to be removed from the New Zealand market.

Paradex and Capadex contain the drug dextropropoxyphene.

Medsafe says it is pulling the medicines after a review into their safety and efficiency found their risks outweigh their benefits.

General manager Stewart Jessamine says the drugs will be removed gradually to allow time patients to switch.

He says anyone taking the drugs should finish their course, while those who take them regularly should talk to their GP about possible alternatives.

- NEWSTALK ZB