Australia's Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) is implementing changes to paracetamol pack sizes and accessibility in pharmacies from February 1, 2023. These changes aim to reduce the risk of liver toxicity and overdose.
The story was first published in The Conversation. Changes are coming into effect from February 1 about how paracetamol is sold in Australia . This mainly affects pack sizes of paracetamol sold outside pharmacies and how paracetamol is accessed in pharmacies. The changes, announced by Australia ’s drug regulator, are in line with moves internationally to reduce the harms of liver toxicity and the risk of overdose. However, there are no new safety concerns when paracetamol is used as directed.
And children’s products are not affected. \What is paracetamol? Paracetamol is commonly sold under brand names such as Panadol, Dymadon and Panamax. It’s used to treat mild pain and fever for short periods or can be prescribed for chronic (long-term) pain. Millions of packs of this cheap and accessible medicine are sold in Australia every year. Small packs (up to 20 tablets) have been available from supermarkets and other retailers such as petrol stations. Larger packs (up to 100 tablets) are only available from pharmacies. Paracetamol is relatively safe when used as directed. However, at higher-than-recommended doses, it can cause liver toxicity. In severe cases and when left untreated, this can be lethal. \Why are the rules changing? In 2022, we wrote about how the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) was considering changes to paracetamol access because of an increase in people going to hospital with paracetamol poisoning. An expert review it commissioned found there were about 40-50 deaths every year from paracetamol poisoning between 2007 and 2020. Between 2009-10 and 2016-17, hospital admissions for this increased (from 8617 to 11,697), before reducing in 2019-20 (8723). Most admissions were due to intentional self-poisonings, and about half of these were among people aged 10 to 24. After the report, the TGA consulted with the public to work out how to prevent paracetamol poisonings. Options included reducing pack sizes, limiting how many packs could be bought at once, moving larger packs behind the pharmacy counter and restricting access by age. Responses were mixed. Although responses supported the need to prevent poisonings, there were concerns about how changes might affect: \ access to the medicine for people who need it, the cost of buying paracetamol, and the inconvenience of having to go to a pharmacy for larger packs. Although deaths from paracetamol poisoning are tragic and preventable, they are rare considering how much paracetamol Australians use. There is less than one death due to poisoning for every million packs sold. Because of this, it was important the TGA addressed concerns about poisonings while making sure Australians still had easy access to this essential medicine. So what’s changing? The key changes being introduced relate to new rules about the pack sizes that can be sold outside pharmacies, and the location of products sold in pharmacies. From February 1, packs sold in supermarkets and places other than pharmacies will reduce from a maximum 20 tablets to 16 tablets per pack. These changes bring Australia in line with other countries. These include the United Kingdom, which restricted supermarket packs to 16 tablets in 1998, and saw reductions in poisonings. In all jurisdictions except Queensland and Western Australia, packs sold in pharmacies larger than 50 tablets will move behind the pharmacy counter and can only be sold under pharmacist supervision. In Queensland and WA, products containing more than 16 tablets will only be available from behind the pharmacy counter and sold under pharmacist supervision. In all jurisdictions, any packs containing more than 50 tablets will need to be sold in blister packs, rather than bottles. Several paracetamol products are not affected by these changes. These include children’s products, slow-release formulations (for example, “osteo” products), and products already behind the pharmacy counter or only available via prescription. \What else do I need to know? These changes have been introduced to reduce the risk of poisonings from people exceeding recommended doses. The overall safety profile of paracetamol has not changed. Paracetamol is still available from all current locations and there are no plans to make it prescription-only or remove it from supermarkets altogether. Many companies have already been updating their packaging to ensure there are no gaps in supply. The reduction in pack sizes of paracetamol available in supermarkets means a pack of 16 tablets will now last two days instead of two-and-a-half days if taken at the maximum dose (two tablets, four times a day). Anyone in pain that does not improve after short-term use should speak to their pharmacist or GP. For people who use paracetamol regularly for chronic pain, it is more cost-effective to continue buying larger packs from pharmacies. As larger packs (50+ tablets) need to be kept out of sight, you will need to ask at the pharmacy counter. Pharmacists know that for many people it’s appropriate to use paracetamol daily for chronic pai
Paracetamol Australia TGA Pack Sizes Pharmacy Overdose Liver Toxicity Safety
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Australia vs India live: Australia needs 162 runs for Test win, Jasprit Bumrah fitness in questionSteve Smith is out for 4, one run short of the famous 10,000-run milestone, as Australia is reduced to 3-58 in a chase of 162 to win the fifth Test and regain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Follow live.
Read more »
Australia Faces Devastating Heatwave: Record Temperatures Scorch Western Australia, Queensland to FollowRecord-breaking temperatures are plaguing Western Australia, while Queensland prepares for a dangerous heatwave. Perth and Geraldton experience scorching highs, with the former hitting its hottest day in a decade. The BOM warns residents to take precautions against the extreme heat, which can be especially dangerous for vulnerable groups.
Read more »
Double Demerit Periods Across Australia During Australia Day Long WeekendThis article outlines the double demerit point periods in effect across Australia during the Australia Day long weekend. It details the specific jurisdictions affected, the duration of the double demerit period, and the offenses that trigger these enhanced penalties. The article also clarifies how double demerits apply to drivers with licenses from different states and territories.
Read more »
A trio of South Australia’s best celebrate Australia Day 20257NEWS brings you the latest local news from Australia and around the world. Stay up to date with all of the breaking sport, politics, entertainment, finance, weather and business headlines. Today's news, live updates & all the latest breaking stories from 7NEWS.
Read more »
Golden Globes Nominations 2025: Jacques Audiard's 'Emilia Pérez' Leads the PackThe 82nd Golden Globe Awards nominations are in, setting the stage for a celebratory season. Jacques Audiard's 'Emilia Pérez' leads the pack with 10 nominations, followed by 'The Brutalist' with seven and 'Conclave' with six. The awards ceremony will air on Monday, January 6, 2025, and will be live-blogged on ABC News.
Read more »
Golden Globe Nominations Announced: Nicole Kidman Leads the PackThe Golden Globe nominations are in and Nicole Kidman is leading the pack with her nomination for Best Actress in a Motion Picture — Drama for her role in Babygirl. The article also discusses other notable nominations, including the surge in nominations for foreign-born actors, and teases the upcoming awards ceremony.
Read more »