Big changes to how you can buy painkiller

From February 1, 2025, the utmost dimension of packs of the favored painkiller obtainable with out pharmacist supervision will likely be lowered from 100 to 50 tablets.

Supermarket cabinets and comfort shops will solely be capable to inventory packing containers of as much as 16 drugs for common sale relatively than the present restrict of 20.

Any different pack dimension containing as much as 100 tablets or capsules will solely be obtainable below a pharmacist’s supervision.

Paracetamol tablets and capsules will even be required to be in blister packaging, whereas the utmost dimension of pharmacy-only packs of individually wrapped powders or sachets will even be lowered.

The adjustments come after session in February and March on an interim resolution proposing dimension and packaging adjustments.

An impartial knowledgeable report was additionally commissioned by the TGA that seemed into statistics round overdosing and the steadiness of dangers and advantages relating to historic entry limitations.

The decision-making course of took into consideration recommendation from the Advisory Committee on Medicines Scheduling in addition to submissions from customers and trade representatives.

In an announcement launched on May 3, the TGA stated “around 225 people are hospitalised and 50 Australians die” from paracetamol overdoses in Australia every year.

“Rates of intentional overdose (are) highest among adolescents and young adults,” it stated.

“This decision aims to reduce the harm from intentional overdose.”

Supermarkets and different retailers have additionally been inspired to restrict paracetamol gross sales to at least one pack at a time, whereas the TGA urges customers to not stockpile the painkiller at dwelling.

Originally revealed as The manner you purchase paracetamol will change completely from 2025