Major changes coming to paracetamol packaging

A major change to the way Aussies access paracetamol will be enforced from February 1st in an attempt to curb the number of overdoses. 

In May 2023, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) announced a suite of changes to the sale of paracetamol to reduce the risk of liver damage and intentional overdoses.

The changes include a reduction in the size of paracetamol packages sold outside pharmacies from 20 capsules or tablets to 16.

Paracetamol is also required to be in blister packaging for general sale, and the TGA has encouraged retailers to only sell one pack at a time.

The new changes also impact medications that contain paracetamol, such as cold and flu medicines. 

Under the new regulations, paracetamol packs with more than 50 tablets will need to be sold under the supervision of a pharmacist.

However, residents in Queensland and Western Australia will need to consult a pharmacist if they want to buy more than 16 tablets of paracetamol at a time, 

The changes are set to take effect on Saturday February 1st, at which time it will be illegal to sell paracetamol packs of more than 16 tablets in supermarkets, convenience stores or petrol stations. 

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The new rules have been announced to combat a rise in hospitalisations as a result of paracetamol overdoses and liver injuries. 

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