Pharmacy Daily | New paracetamol rules will reduce harm

PARACETAMOL scheduling changes that took effect over the weekend will help reduce the risk of intentional and unintentional harm, including in children and adolescents, said the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA).

General sale pack sizes available from supermarkets or grocery stores have been reduced from 20 to 16 tablets, Pharmacy Medicine (S2) packs are limited to 50 tablets, and larger packs are Pharmacist Only Medicine (S3).

Paracetamol tablets in general sale packs and Pharmacy Medicine packs will also be required to be in blister packaging, which can reduce overdose and impulsive attempts to self-harm by slowing the consumption of multiple tablets or capsules.

The PSA strongly supports the move, which will reduce the risk of overdose and poisoning.

However, with approximately 16% of pharmaceutical poisoning hospital admissions in children under five being attributed to paracetamol, the PSA said there is more to be done.

"The sobering reality is that we are leaving our kids vulnerable to harm, particularly when it comes to common medicines around the house," said PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim.

"By limiting the maximum pack sizes of paracetamol, we are opening the door to a conversation about the risks and benefits of these medicines - both in the pharmacy and at home - and take steps as a community to promote the safe use of medicines.

"By involving pharmacists in the supply of larger paracetamol pack sizes, we strike the right balance between access and safety, giving pharmacists and pharmacy assistants the opportunity to help patients manage their pain effectively while reducing the risk of misuse and harm."

Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care, Ged Kearney, pointed out that around 225 people are hospitalised with liver injury and 50 people die from paracetamol overdose each year.

"The TGA's decision to limit the size of paracetamol packs struck a balance between protecting young Australians from harm while also ensuring those in pain can access the medicine," Kearney said.

"My thanks to the TGA for its sensible and measured decision, and to the pharmacists and retailers around the country who have responded so robustly." KB