Changes on how to buy painkiller

The maximum size of paracetamol products will be reduced and new packaging requirements will be introduced, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) announced on Wednesday.

From February 1, 2025, the maximum size of packs of the popular painkiller obtainable without pharmacist supervision will be reduced from 100 to 50 tablets.

Supermarket shelves and convenience stores will only be able to stock boxes of up to 16 pills for general sale rather than the current limit of 20.

Any other pack size containing up to 100 tablets or capsules will only be available under a pharmacist’s supervision.

Paracetamol tablets and capsules will also be required to be in blister packaging, while the maximum size of pharmacy-only packs of individually wrapped powders or sachets will also be reduced.

The changes come after consultation in February and March on an interim decision proposing size and packaging changes.

An independent expert report was also commissioned by the TGA that looked into statistics around overdosing and the balance of risks and benefits regarding historical access limitations.

The decision-making process took into account advice from the Advisory Committee on Medicines Scheduling as well as submissions from consumers and industry representatives.

In a statement released on May 3, the TGA said “around 225 people are hospitalised and 50 Australians die” from paracetamol overdoses in Australia each year.

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

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