Paracetamol is one of the most commonly used over-the-counter medicines in Australia. It is used to reduce pain and fever, and is an ingredient in many other pain relievers and cold medicines.
With the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) proposing to reduce the size of paracetamol packets available off the shelf in pharmacies from 100 to 32 tablets or capsules, many Australians are starting to stockpile the medication more than a year out from the proposed regulatory changes.
The proposed changes are in response to an increasing number of Australians misusing the drug, with accidental overdoses leading to liver problems and even death. The TGA is hoping by reducing the size of the packets, it will make it more difficult for people to purchase large amounts of the medication and therefore reduce the risk of overdose.
However, many Australians are unhappy about the proposed changes, arguing that reducing the size of the packets will make it harder for people to access the medication, particularly those who take the drug regularly for chronic pain.
Giulia Jones, the head of Peak Patient Body Pain Australia, informed the Daily Telegraph that people had already begun to stockpile the drug, potentially accumulating hundreds or even thousands of tablets by the time the intended modifications come into effect in the following year.
“I believe that our group began right away after the suggested alteration was reported in February, particularly for Panadol Osteo, a delayed release paracetamol,” she said.
“Some people are using medicine which is not currently on prescription regularly, both for flare ups and to cope from day to day, so they need to have access to six to eight paracetamol. When they hear rumours that it may become harder to get hold of, they will be more likely to buy more in advance.”
PainAustralia’s survey revealed that only 25% of respondents were in favor of reducing the pack size of paracetamol, while the majority of consumers did not support this decision.
