New rules on paracetamol sales will come into effect tomorrow, with buyers to face restrictions on the number of packs per transaction.
RMIT pharmacy expert, Dr Kate Wang said that despite its prevalence, paracetamol was not a harmless drug as many people might assume.
“It can cause hepatotoxicity, which is injury to the liver. In some cases, it can cause acute liver failure and even irreversible liver injury requiring liver transplantation,” she said.
Each year in Australia around 225 people are hospitalised with liver injury and 50 people die from paracetamol overdose, with rates of intentional overdose highest among adolescents and young adults.
To help reduce the risk of intentional overdose, the Therapeutic Goods Administration made a decision on 3 May 2023 to change the way consumers can access paracetamol products based on pack size for various paracetamol products.
The decision was informed by an independent expert report that examined the incidence of serious injury and death from intentional paracetamol overdose; advice received from the Advisory Committee on Medicines Scheduling (ACMS); and submissions from two rounds of consultation from individuals, and organisations representing consumers, healthcare practitioners and industry.
From 1 February, non-pharmacy retailers such as supermarkets, petrol stations or convenience stores will only be able to sell packs of paracetamol containing 16 tablets or capsules. It will be illegal to sell packs of 20 after tomorrow.
The restrictions cover paracetamol products and combination products, such as cold and flu medicines that contain paracetamol.
Any paracetamol tablets and capsules for general sale will also be required to be in blister packaging.
“The accessibility of paracetamol increases the risk of overdose, particularly as it is found in many over-the-counter cold and flu medications, which might come as a surprise to consumers,” said Dr Wang.
“The changes to scheduling and packaging of paracetamol presents an opportunity for pharmacists to engage in a discussion with patients to make them aware of the benefits and risks.
“These conversations can help pharmacists to assess whether patients are taking other medications containing paracetamol, or if they have pre-existing liver conditions that necessitate caution in its use. Patients with a therapeutic need for paracetamol will still have access to it and shouldn’t be disadvantaged by these regulatory changes.
“There may be concerns around an increased workload for pharmacists, who already often face significant workloads. However, pharmacists are the medication experts in frontline healthcare. Addressing staff workload concerns should be approached separately without compromising safe practices and patient-centred care.”
