Latest News

For all media enquiries, interview requests or to join our distribution list, email media@chpaustralia.com.au


Paracetamol pack size changes come into effect on 1 February 2025

Paracetamol pack size changes come into effect on 1 February 2025

23 January 2025

On 1 February 2025, consumers will see changes to paracetamol availability in supermarkets and pharmacies. These changes follow the Therapeutic Goods Administration’s decision to reduce pack sizes in seeking to minimise the risk of harm from intentional misuse. These changes include:

  • Packs of paracetamol-containing products in supermarkets and convenience stores will be reduced to a maximum of 16 tablets.
  • Packs of paracetamol-containing products in pharmacies available without speaking to a pharmacist (i.e. S2 – Pharmacy Only) will be reduced to a maximum of 50 tablets.
  • Packs of paracetamol-containing products of more than 50 and up to 100 tablets will only be available with pharmacist intervention (i.e. S3 – Pharmacist Only).

Consumer Healthcare Products Australia (CHP Australia) and its members support the implementation of these balanced, evidence-based and practical measures to address paracetamol misuse, while maintaining convenient access to everyday pain relief for consumers.

However, both the TGA’s Advisory Committee on Medicines Scheduling (ACMS) and the Independent Expert Report On The Risks Of Intentional Self-Poisoning With Paracetamol made non-regulatory recommendations including more support for mental health services, health and medicines literacy, and safe storage of medicines. These recommendations are yet to be addressed. CHP Australia will continue working with all parties to ensure that all recommended measures are appropriately addressed.

Over-the-counter paracetamol is one of the most commonly used medicines worldwide. Paracetamol has well-established safety and efficacy profiles, when used according to the label instructions, and convenient consumer access to pain relief has a proven public health value. However, like all medicines, paracetamol carries risks if not used properly.

We encourage those with questions or concerns about their medicines to speak with their healthcare professional.
CHP Australia continues to encourage the use of the Mindframe guidelines when communicating about the intentional misuse of medicines.

If you or someone you know are experiencing signs or symptoms of poor mental health, it is important to speak to a healthcare professional or contact one of the services below (dial 000 in an emergency):
Lifeline Australia 13 11 14
Suicide Call Back 1300 659 467
Kids Help Line 1800 551 800
BeyondBlue 1300 224 636
eheadspace 1800 650 890
Thirrili - National Indigenous Postvention Service 1800 805 801
-ENDS-

Displaying item 1 of 6

Media and Publications