Analgesics appropriate - ASMI

PARACETAMOL-IBUPROFEN combination medicines are safe and effective for the short-term relief of acute pain when taken in accordance with the directions on the label, the Australian Self Medication Industry (ASMI) says.

ASMI issued a formal statement on the matter following revelations of a ten-fold increase in calls to the NSW Poisons Information Centre about common dosing errors in relation to the medications (PD 08 Jun).

An NPS Medicinewise article also addressed confusion among consumers regarding OTC paracetamol-ibuprofen combination analgesic medicines.

The brands involved were Nuromol and Maxigesic, with the most common errors being adults accidentally exceeding the recommended dose.

The increase in dosage concerns over the last year followed a TGA review of the safety and efficacy of the pharmacy-only products, which were permitted to be advertised from 01 Jun 2016.

ASMI says labelling for these products is reviewed and approved by the TGA and contains all the information necessary for consumers to select and use the products correctly, stressing that consumers should always read the label before use and to follow the warnings and dosage instructions on the pack.

OTC paracetamol-ibuprofen combination analgesics should be used as directed for the short-term management of moderate pain, for no more than a few days at a time, unless on medical advice.