Following an alarming increase in young individuals taking excessive amounts of paracetamol “self injury,” Australia’s medicines authority is contemplating limiting the supply of the drug.
According to an independent study by the Therapeutic Goods Administration, teenagers are most at risk for taking too much of the painkiller, especially female teenagers.
In response, the TGA will now start a consolation process to talk about the report’s suggestions, which include limiting the number of paracetamol boxes a person may purchase, lowering the quantity of pills in each box, and prohibiting sales to anyone under the age of 18.
Professors from the Universities of Sydney, New South Wales, and the Australian National University served as the report’s principal authors, and it examined overdose-related injuries and fatalities.
In particular when it comes to younger persons, it also looked at whether “the present access limitations for buying paracetamol products are adequate.”
The most readily available and frequently used non-prescription pain reliever in the world right now is paracetamol.
Each year, around 225 Australians are hospitalised with liver injuries, and about 50 Australians die from paracetamol overdoses.
While hospitalisation and mortality rates have not risen recently, the research said that there has been a worrying rise in community abuse.
Both unplanned and intentional overdoses of paracetamol happen often, with unplanned actions frequently using paracetamol that is already in the house.
People who overdosed often used more paracetamol pills from a bigger pack than from a smaller box.
According to research, there is a significant danger of harm or death from a paracetamol overdose, although survival rates are often “good” when medical attention is sought two to six hours after administration.
To lessen the possibility of deliberate overdoses, the research presented seven suggestions.
Modified-release paracetamol, a higher dosage of the drug that can only be provided with a prescription, is one idea.
The TGA website is accepting comments on the suggestions until October 14.
The Advisory Committee on Medicines Scheduling will then discuss them at a meeting in November.
Call Lifeline 13 11 14 or Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800 if you or someone you know needs private, round-the-clock assistance.