THE TGA yesterday published a final decision to reduce the maximum size of packs for various paracetamol products.
Each year in Australia around 225 people are hospitalised and 50 Australians die from paracetamol overdose, with rates of intentional overdose highest among adolescents and young adults.
From 01 Feb 2025, new restrictions on paracetamol will reduce the maximum size of packs available for general sale (e.g. supermarkets and convenience stores) from 20 to 16 tablets or capsules.
Reduced too will be the maximum pack size available in pharmacies, without the supervision of a pharmacist (Pharmacy Only packs), from 100 to 50 tablets or capsules.
Pack sizes of up to 100 tabs or caps will be available only under the supervision of a pharmacist (Pharmacist Only packs).
Paracetamol tabs and caps for both general and Pharmacy Only sale will also be required to be in blister packaging.
The maximum size of Pharmacy Only packs of individually wrapped powders or sachets of granules containing paracetamol will also be reduced in line with tablet and capsule packs.
Access to liquid, modified-release and Schedule 4 (Prescription Only) paracetamol is not affected by this decision.
The above article was sent to subscribers in Pharmacy Daily's issue from 04 May 23
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