Paracetamol overdosing is an issue, particularly among teenagers and young adults. According to the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), 225 people are hospitalised and 50 Australians die each year from paracetamol overdose.
In a bid to lower the harm from intentional paracetamol overdosing, the TGA has announced new restrictions to paracetamol that will come into effect in February 2025.
Here’s what you need to know:
The maximum paracetamol pack size that can be purchased in supermarkets and convenience stores will drop from 20 to 16 tablets.
Pack sizes in pharmacies will halve, from 100 to 50 tablets.
Larger packs (up to 100) will only be available under the supervision of a pharmacist.
These restrictions apply to both paracetamol-only products, such as Panadol, and cold and flu tablets that contain paracetamol and other active ingredients, such as Codral Night & Day Cold & Flu tablets.
Blister packs for paracetamol capsules and tablets will be mandatory.
In addition to these changes, the TGA is also encouraging retailers to restrict sales to a single pack at a time and urging consumers not to stockpile paracetamol at home.
To keep up to date with the ever-changing, increasingly complex world of drugs and alcohol, DASA runs regular webinars for executives, business owners, health and safety managers, risk managers and drug & alcohol coordinators. Our experts will help you not only understand the issues but what they mean for you and your workplace.
To receive upcoming webinar invitations and to view past webinars, click here. https://www.dasa.net.au/training-sessions
DASA (Drug and Alcohol Solutions Australia) is proud to be leading the way in workplace drug and alcohol testing services throughout Australia. Whether your need is for workplace drug and workplace alcohol testing, advice on drug and alcohol policy or ideas on how to communicate your workplace expectations, policies and procedures to your staff, DASA can help. We have the experience, technical expertise and people to lead you to the right solution.
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