Why is Australia limiting Paracetamol sales?
Australian supermarkets can only sell Paracetamol in packs of up to 16 tablets from 1 February 2025.
From 1 February 2025, it will be illegal to sell packs of 20 tablets.
Retailers are encouraged to restrict sales to a single pack at a time.
Pharmacies can sell packets of up to 50 tablets over the counter, although customers needing more can speak to a pharmacist to receive a larger supply.
Access to liquid, modified-release and Prescription Only (Schedule 4) paracetamol is not affected by the changes.
The reasoning behind this action is based on this:
Each year in Australia around 225 people are hospitalised with liver injury and 50 people die from paracetamol overdose, with rates of intentional overdose highest among adolescents and young adults.
Paracetamol Limitations in the UK.
Since 1998 in the UK, you can only buy packs of 16 tablets of paracetamol or ibuprofen from a shop or supermarket.
A UK pharmacy may sell larger packs containing up to 32 tablets or capsules only under the supervision of a pharmacist.
Greater amounts can be obtained with a prescription.
Shops and pharmacies legally aren’t allowed to sell you more than two packs at a time, without a prescription.
