The next time you grab a 20-pack of paracetamol tablets from your supermarket, it could be for the last time. From next February, the maximum number of paracetamol tablets available in a single pack through supermarkets will be 16. The new restriction will also apply to convenience stores such as 7-Eleven.
The new rules have been introduced by the Therapeutic Goods Association (TGA) amid concerns about the intentional misuse of paracetamol. This is not the first time the TGA has reduced the quantity limit on packs of paracetamol tablets. The limit was reduced to 20 in 2013, having previously been set at 25.
At least one manufacturer has already pre-empted the law change. Haleon, the makers of Panadol, announced last week that it would be rolling out new package sizes immediately.
Haleon Elena Pintado said the company has been working hard to implement these changes and ensure no disruption to supply. “Our focus is always on the health of Australians and facilitating responsible self-care,” she said. “We take our responsibility very seriously to ensure Australians can continue to access Panadol without disruption as these changes come into effect.”
Ms Pintado said those Australians who used paracetamol as directed by medical professionals need not be concerned by the change. “There is no change to the suitability profile and efficacy of paracetamol for pain relief when used as directed.”
The other side of the paracetamol equation
However, the new rules have not been met with universal approval. Some advocates of those who suffer from chronic pain have expressed concern about potential unintended consequences. Among those is the CEO of Painaustralia, Monika Boogs.
Ms Boogs said those sufferers could face judgement for having to buy more packs to meet their usual needs. “They have to travel long distances; it’s not like they just have a corner shop,” she said. As a result, they are more likely to buy in bulk, and could face questions when buying extra packs. This could add to “the stigma that they already often do feel when they have chronic pain”, Ms Boogs said.
Such consequences have had to be weighed up against evidence of serious harm being caused to those Australians misusing paracetamol. The TGA reported last year that around 225 people were admitted to hospital annually with liver injury in Australia. In addition, 50 Australians die from paracetamol overdose, with rates of intentional overdose highest among adolescents and young adults.
Notwithstanding her concerns, Ms Boogs said she was relieved other proposed changes were not implemented. These included purchase limits and a prescription requirement for anyone aged under 18.
What about pharmacies and costs?
The rules around the sale of paracetamol at pharmacies are also changing. From 1 February 2025, new restrictions on paracetamol will:
- reduce the maximum size of packs available in pharmacies without the supervision of a pharmacist from 100 to 50 tablets or capsules
- make other pack sizes of up to 100 tablets or capsules available only under the supervision of a pharmacist.
As for the cost of paracetamol, it is unclear whether the implementation will result in a price change. However, cynical shoppers who have seen many examples of what’s known as shrinkflation probably won’t be surprised to see one.
Those who like to keep tabs on such things might like to note the current unit price of a 20-pack. They will then be able to compare this with the unit price after the paracetamol pack size changes.
A word of warning to anyone who does indeed do that, though. A negative comparison outcome could give you a headache, potentially resulting in a need to buy more paracetamol.
Do you use paracetamol regularly to treat chronic pain? How do you feel about the new rules? Let us know via the comments section below.
Also read: Grocery price guile gets most of us in
Disclaimer: This article contains general information about health issues and is not advice. For health advice, consult your medical practitioner.
I have chronic pain and cannot take codeine because of kidney disease and therefore take more panadol as it does not work as well and therefore take it more often. I know i am a responsible 75 year old who doesn’t need a government employee telling me how I feel or whether I’m going to misuse my medication. Stupid thing is about reducing the packs is i can go to as many different supermarkets as I like and buy multiple packs, as well as chemists. If reducing the packs from 25 to 20 in 2013 because of worry about misuse didn’t work, what makes the powers that be think it will be any different reducing them again. I can only presume then it is money orientated. I am one of those cynical people who believe when we turn our backs for a minute, the 16 pack will cost as much as the 20 pack did.
This is Nannying us. Really with such low numbers being admitted for Liver disease and intended od’s – let’s be real, if someone wants to hurt themselves they will find away. This is always the governments answer to small vocal groups and it won’t work – packets will cost as much as the 20 packs. I’ve just returned from Europe and UK and found panadol with iboprufen joined in a pack – when I have intense pain from a shoulder and knee that need replacing I could pop 2 of these tablets instead of 4. When you have intense pain of any sort the powers that be should realize the majority of people are very sensible and can actually read. Even now people whose first language isn’t English can use Google translate by holding the camera over the words that need translating so there is no confusion about dosage. Heaven forbid we get treated like intelligent adults.