Paracetamol pack size changes come into effect on 1 February 2025

On 1 February 2025, changes to paracetamol availability in supermarkets and pharmacies will come into effect. These changes follow the Therapeutic Goods Administration’s decision to reduce pack sizes in seeking to minimise the risk of harm from intentional misuse. These changes include:

• Packs of paracetamol-containing products in supermarkets and convenience stores will be reduced to a maximum of 16 tablets.
• Packs of paracetamol-containing products in pharmacies available without speaking to a pharmacist (ie, S2 — Pharmacy Only) will be reduced to a maximum of 50 tablets.
• Packs of paracetamol-containing products of more than 50 and up to 100 tablets will only be available with pharmacist intervention (ie, S3 — Pharmacist Only).
   

Consumer Healthcare Products Australia (CHP Australia) and its members support the implementation of these balanced, evidence-based and practical measures to address paracetamol misuse, while maintaining convenient access to everyday pain relief for consumers.

However, both the TGA’s Advisory Committee on Medicines Scheduling (ACMS) and the Independent Expert Report On The Risks Of Intentional Self-Poisoning With Paracetamol made non-regulatory recommendations including more support for mental health services, health and medicines literacy, and safe storage of medicines. These recommendations are yet to be addressed. CHP Australia will continue working with all parties to ensure that all recommended measures are appropriately addressed.

CHP Australia said in a statement that it encourages the use of the Mindframe guidelines when communicating about the intentional misuse of medicines.

If you or someone you know is experiencing signs or symptoms of poor mental health, it is important to speak to a healthcare professional or contact:

Lifeline Australia 13 11 14 lifeline.org.au
Beyond Blue 1300 244 636 beyondblue.org.au
(Dial 000 in an emergency.)

Image credit: iStock.com/SVPhilon