GPs need to be aware of new restrictions on paracetamol sales in case patients come to them with questions.
From next February, new national legislation will limit the general sale of paracetamol in supermarkets and convenience stores to 16 tablets, with some of the new packets now hitting store shelves.
In Western Australia and Queensland, packs of paracetamol-containing products in pharmacies, such as cold and flu medication, will also be limited to 16 capsules.
In other states and territories packs of paracetamol-containing products will contain a maximum of 50 tablets.
However, packs of paracetamol-containing products of up to 100 capsules will be available behind the counter following consultation with a pharmacist.
Dr Ramya Raman, Royal Australian College of General Practitioners WA chair, said the changes provided an opportunity for GPs to review the care of patients who regularly use paracetamol.
“We do know that it’s a medication that is readily available and commonly used for multiple conditions,” she said.
“Often there are multiple factors that feed into a condition and it’s an opportunity to review that and treat it appropriately with the right medications but also the right non-pharmacological treatments that are available.
“In women, sometimes it’s pelvic pain so it might be a prompt to investigate for conditions like endometriosis, if it is back pain trying to screen for any sinister caused but also consideration of physiotherapy or hydrotherapy.”
The changes come into effect on February 1, in response to a Therapeutic Goods Administration decision to reduce the size of paracetamol packs in a bid to reduce the risk of harm from intentional misuse.
The changes will apply to single active and paracetamol-containing combination tablets and capsules. They do not impact liquid preparations, like Children’s Panadol.
Each year in Australia around 225 people are hospitalised with liver injury and 50 Australians die from paracetamol overdose, with rates of intentional overdose highest among adolescents and young adults.
Paracetamol is the most widely used pain relief medicine available without a prescription.
Dr Bruce Willett, a Brisbane-based GP, said it was important GPs were aware of the changes should their patients come to them with questions.
“Patients may come to us with questions once they notice changes on shelves, and it’s important we continue to confidently advise patients on how they can best manage their pain,” he said.