The Therapeutic Goods Administration says the ban is aimed at saving lives.
The government's Chief Medical Officer, Professor Brendan Murphy, says the problem of narcotic misuse is worsening.
"The feeling is that these drugs are of little value as painkillers people can get just as much relief from drugs which will remain over the counter."
But the impending ban has raised concerns that those heavily dependent on the medications could resort to taking other drugs like alcohol or cannabis.
Sydney mother Jessica Khachan was a recovering alcoholic when she was given codeine pills after undergoing wisdom tooth surgery.
"I took the hydrocodone pills for I think two weeks, but before I knew it, i was hooked. But I wasn't aware of it. I just automatically went down to the chemist and bought some Nurofen Plus. And that was when my next addiction began and it just progressed."
Jessica Khachan has mixed feelings about the ban.
"With my kids it won't be available over the counter so it's not a problem but the people that are struggling at the moment it's a real big worry that they may turn to other drugs and not speak to their health professional. Like people are really scared to talk to their families, you know."
The ban puts Australia in line with the United States, most European countries and Japan, which have already regulated codeine medications.
(extended version in German available)
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