Experts warn that routine opioid overprescribing after minor surgery exposes SA patients to addiction risks and unnecessary costs. Codeine and meprobamate also carry dependence risks, while cheaper paracetamol and generic ibuprofen usually manage moderate pain effectively. Pharmacologists attribute overprescribing to outdated habits and pharmaceutical marketing. Unused medicines can also be diverted or shared, creating further risks. Experts recommend evidence-based prescribing guidelines, non-opioid treatments as first-line options and returning leftover medicines to pharmacists for safe disposal. – GroundUp (22 October 2026)