Australian Patients Association has partnered with Pain Australia to Save Paracetamol Access. The latest attempts by the Federal Government to restrict paracetamol are well-intended but miss the mark and will leave many thousands of low income and rural and remote Australians who need pain medicines, disadvantaged.

Background

Paracetamol is a commonly used medicine that can help treat pain and reduce a high temperature (fever). It’s typically used to relieve mild or moderate pain, such as headaches, toothache or sprains, and reduce fevers caused by illnesses such as colds and flu.

3.4 million Australians live in pain every single day and rely on medications like paracetamol just to get by. The proposed restrictions to  paracetamol use are well intended but missed the mark and will further alienate an already struggling group.

What is happening?

The new proposal that restricts the sale of paracetamol will negatively impact millions of Australians. It would be more sensible to have rehabilitation and education for those that abuse the use of paracetamol.

The government has a plan to make it harder to buy paracetamol. This will disadvantage people more.

They want to:

  • Limit packets to 16 tablets a pack
  • A maximum limit of 2 packets per customer
  • Only allow over 18s to buy it without a script
  • And force those taking paracetamol osteo to have to get a script from the GP

Why does it matter?

If you are a dad with back pain, you need your paracetamol osteo;

If you are a mum living in the country you would have to go ack to the supermarket every few days

If you are on job keeper it’d be tough to get 2 weeks supply on pay day

If you are under 18 picking up paracetamol for mum or dad or gran, you wont be able to help them any more

If you are a young woman under 18 with severe period cramps or pelvic pain, you would have to see a doctor just for normal paracetamol use.

If you have a chronic disease or live in constant pain these proposals will make your live harder than it already is.

Everyday people who are just trying to get buy should not have government making life even harder, not right now.

What can you do to help?

If you are worried like we are about these proposed changes, click the link and email  your local MP or senator and tell them to stop the government’s plans to take paracetamol access away.

Outcome

APA welcomed the interim decision by TGA on 3rd February 2023 to amend the scheduling of paracetamol in the Poisons Standard and to not restrict purchases based on age as a sensible decision for consumers who live with chronic pain. Earlier the APA along with Pain Australia had written a joint letter to the Minister outlining the disadvantages on restricting the sale of paracetamol which is most commonly used medication for pain relief and fever.