Haleon, the makers of Panadol, is rolling out new Panadol pack sizes in pharmacy ahead of upcoming legislative changes that aim to minimise the risk of harm from intentional misuse of paracetamol in Australia.
The changes are in response to a decision made by the TGA in 2023 to reduce the maximum available pack sizes of paracetamol-containing medicines for general sale and self-selection in pharmacies.
From 1 February 2025, the changes in pharmacy are as follows:
- In Western Australia and Queensland, packs of paracetamol-containing products available for self-selection, will contain a maximum of 16 capsules or tablets.*
- In states and territories other than Western Australia and Queensland, packs of paracetamol-containing products available for self-selection, will contain a maximum of 50 capsules or tablets.
- Packs of paracetamol-containing products of more than 16 and up to 100 capsules/tablets in Western Australia and Queensland, and more than 50 and up to 100 capsules/tablets in all other states and territories, will be available behind the counter, after speaking with a pharmacist.
These changes apply to single active and paracetamol-containing combination tablets and capsules, such as cold and flu preparations. They do not impact liquid preparations, like Children’s Panadol.
The legislative effective date for changes to scheduling controls for access and sale is 1 February 2025, but some of the new Panadol packs will start to appear in pharmacies from November 2024. Haleon is implementing this roll out well ahead of the effective date to ensure continuity of supply given Panadol is Australia’s most trusted pain relief brand.1
Paracetamol remains a suitable and effective pain relief option. It is the most widely used pain relief medicine available without a prescription. Paracetamol has wide-ranging suitability† for the majority of Australians.2
Bridget Totterman, Pharmaceutical Society of Australia National Board Director and community pharmacy owner, says it’s important pharmacists are aware of these changes and can confidently talk to their customers about them as needed.
“Pharmacists need to be aware of and understand the changes being made to the pack sizes of paracetamol-containing medicines. We play a key role in providing health advice to patients and the changes may prompt them to ask questions about what it means for them,” Totterman said.
Elena Pintado, Head of Pain from Haleon ANZ, says the company has been working hard behind the scenes to implement these changes and ensure no disruption to supply.
“Our focus is always on consumers and facilitating responsible self-care. Haleon is a strong advocate for the responsible use of medicines and, as such, is supportive of the changes and proud to be bringing them into effect for Panadol,” said Ms Pintado.
“We will continue to work with our retail partners to ensure a smooth transition in support of these measures. We understand these changes may impact the workload in pharmacy and as such are providing pharmacy staff with a number of resources and tools to help address this.”
“Pharmacists and pharmacy staff play a crucial role in providing advice so it’s vital they understand the rationale behind the changes in order to help consumers navigate them. It is important to provide reassurance to people that there is no change to the suitability profile and efficacy of paracetamol for pain relief when used as directed,” added Ms Pintado.
Over the counter analgesics should not be used for more than a few days at a time. If pain persists it is important to consult a healthcare professional.
For more information and resources, Pharmacists can visit the Haleon Health Partner Portal: https://www.haleonhealthpartner.com/en-au/pain-relief/
Always read the label and follow the directions for use. Incorrect use could be harmful.
REFERENCES
- Reader’s Digest Trusted Brand Survey, 2024. https://www.trustedbrands.com.au/brand-showcase/panadol/
- Clarke, G. D. et al, (2008). Using suitability profiles to better inform consumers’ choice of commonly used over-the counter analgesics. Int J Pharm Pract, 16(5), 333-336 (GSK sponsored study). Accessed June 2024.
Panadol contains paracetamol. Use: For the temporary relief of pain. Reduces fever.
* Queensland and Western Australia Poisons regulations governing the storage and display of medicines available only in Pharmacies (i.e., S2 medicines) differ from the other states and territories.
† Suitability based on criteria derived from contraindications, warnings and precautions from the product labelling and prescribing information for OTC paracetamol, and on Australian population demographics of 2006.
