The way you buy paracetamol is about to change – here's how

The TGA has been weighing up the changes since 2022

From February 1, there will be new restrictions placed on the sale of paracetamol. Here’s everything you need to know about the changes.

Often regarded as the most low-risk painkiller, many of us have a box of paracetamol in our homes at all times in case we get struck by a headache, fever or cramps. But the way we buy the drug is changing.

From tomorrow we won’t be able to stock up on 100 packs of the medication over the counter anymore, and in some cases, we won’t be able to buy more than one box at a time. 

Why are paracetamol pack sizes changing?

The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) commissioned an expert review into ‘the risks and intentional self-poisoning with paracetamol’ in 2022. It confirmed that rates of intentional self-poisoning using paracetamol have been on the rise in Australia over the last decade, with most cases involving young adults and teenagers. 

More than 200 people are hospitalised with liver damage each year in Australia, and according to the review, there were around 40 – 50 deaths from paracetamol poisoning between 2007 and 2020.

Paracetamol itself isn’t toxic, but taking too much can damage your liver and potentially lead to death.

In response to the review, the TGA has consulted with the public on the best way to reduce overdoses and misuse without making it harder for people with chronic pain or on a low income to access the medication.

You will still be able to easily buy paracetamol, but there are new limits coming into place.

More than 200 people are hospitalised with liver damage each year in Australia, and according to the review, there were around 40 – 50 deaths from paracetamol poisoning between 2007 and 2020. Image: Getty

New limits to paracetamol purchases

From February 1st, the biggest pack of paracetamol we will be able to buy from supermarkets, service stations or convenience stores will contain blister packs of 16 tablets or capsules instead of the current 20. 

Chemists will still sell larger packs, but the bulk boxes containing 100 tablets or capsules won’t be available over the counter anymore. 

If you are buying 50 tablets or capsules at a time, you’ll now only be able to purchase them in blister packs instead of bottles.

People buying packs containing more than 50 tablets in New South Wales, the ACT, Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia and the Northern Territory will have to speak to a pharmacist, as they will be moved behind the counter. Those in Queensland and Western Australia will have to do the same for any packs containing more than 16 tablets. 

As per 9News, an author of the paracetamol overdose report, Dr Rose Cairns said "These changes just bring us in line with many other countries which have these smaller pack sizes as the default that's available." Countries including the UK already limit packs to contain only 16 tablets. 

In an emergency please call 000

If you or someone you know needs help, phone Lifeline on 13 11 14 or the 24- hour Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467.

Mental health professionals are available 24/7 at the beyondblue Support Service – 1300 22 46 36 or via beyondblue.org.au/get-support for online chat (3pm-12am AEST) or email response.

Originally published as The way you buy paracetamol is about to change – here's how