Important Member Announcement – Paracetamol Products

NATIONAL

Important Member Announcement –

Paracetamol Products

Early in May 2022, MGA was approached by the Consumer Healthcare Australia voicing their concern there may be a risk of members losing the right to stock and sell paracetamol products.

There has been a concern raised by health care agencies within the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) that paracetamol is too readily available to the public and could be cause for misuse and harm.

MGA is strongly encouraging all members to put a two pack purchase limit on all paracetamol products. Please hang shelf talkers clearly below these products indicating there is a two pack limit for paracetamol products. This is then reflected with two pack limits in the store’s point of sale systems.

Consumer Healthcare Australia (CHP), as the association representing the manufacturers and distributors of nonprescription medicines, including overthe-counter pain medicines, supports the Therapeutic Goods Administration’s (TGA) Paracetamol Review, and looks forward to contributing constructively to expert assessment.

When used according to the label instructions, over-the-counter (OTC) paracetamol pain medicines are safe and effective, and are an important option for managing everyday pain as it occurs such as headache, backache, toothache, period pain, cold and flu symptoms etc.

“However, like all medicines, misuse can be harmful. We recognise there are many complex factors involved in intentional misuse of medicines, including those related to mental health, and share the community’s deep concern about this issue.”

CHP Australia was among the early advocates for Australia’s Quality Use of Medicines policy and remains absolutely committed to supporting medicines safety.

“We are working actively with policymakers and other stakeholders to implement initiatives that further promote safe use of non-prescription medicines, particularly among vulnerable populations.”

This work includes ongoing discussions with supermarket retailers on introducing a two-pack purchase limit for all single active ingredient OTC analgesics for oral use, sold outside of the pharmacy environment.”

If implemented, consumers purchasing OTC pain relievers (paracetamol, ibuprofen and aspirin) from supermarkets, convenience stores and petrol stations would be limited to two packs per transaction.

MGA will keep members informed of any further progress with the TGA.

In the meantime MGA strongly encourages members to put a two pack purchase limit on all single active ingredient OTC analgesics / pain relievers for oral use - (paracetamol, ibuprofen and aspirin).