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Your preferred Panadol pack sizes may be changing

Content reviewed on 29/08/2024

What you need to know: Panadol changes to comply with new Australian Scheduling Requirements

From 1 February 2025, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) will be implementing changes that affect the sale of Paracetamol in Australia. As a result of this, Panadol will be adjusting pack sizes to comply with these standards, and you may notice changes to Panadol products on retail shelves as early as October 2024.

What is Panadol changing?

  • Depending on the product, new Panadol pack sizes (including the Panadol Cold & Flu range) will offer options with tablet or caplet counts of 8, 16, 32, 40, 48, 80, 96 or 100.

  • Panadol packs available for general sale in supermarkets and convenience stores will contain a maximum of 16 tablets or caplets. (Applicable to all states and territories except for QLD and WA)

  • Panadol packs in pharmacy available for self-selection will contain less than 50 tablets or caplets - i.e. packs of 8, 16, 32, 40 and 48 tablets or caplets depending on the product. (Applicable to all states and territories except for QLD and WA)

  • Panadol packs containing more than 50 tablets or caplets, will move behind the counter in pharmacy, requiring an interaction with a pharmacist to purchase - i.e. packs of 80, 96 and 100 tablets or caplets depending on the product. (Applicable to all states and territories except for QLD and WA)

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Does this apply to Queensland and Western Australia?

Queensland and Western Australia regulations governing the storage and display of medicines available only in Pharmacies (i.e., S2 medicines) already differ from the other states and territories.From 1 February 2025, in Queensland and Western Australia, Panadol will be available as follows:

  • Panadol packs available for general sale in supermarkets and convenience stores will contain a maximum of 16 tablets or caplets.

  • Panadol packs in pharmacy available for self-selection will contain a maximum of 16 tablets or caplets.

  • Panadol packs containing more than 16 tablets or caplets can be found behind the counter in pharmacy, requiring an interaction with a pharmacist to purchase.

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Is Panadol the only brand making these changes?

The new scheduling requirements come into place on 1 February 2025 and apply to all paracetamol and paracetamol combination products.

Has Panadol’s safety profile changed and is it still suitable for use?

There has been no change to the safety profile of Paracetamol. It is an important self-care option that is suitable for 98% of Australian adults1, and effective for helping manage everyday pain. Paracetamol is the active ingredient in Panadol, Australia’s number one pain relief brand2 and with over 60 years of heritage, Australians trust the Panadol brand.3

Are there any changes to Panadol ingredients due to this change?

Each Panadol product is still created with the same quality ingredients and maintained with steadfast quality measures.

Why is this happening?

These changes to scheduling are intended to minimise the risk of intentional misuse, whilst retaining broad consumer access to products containing paracetamol.

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 14BeyondBlue: 1300 224 636Headspace: 1800 650 890

When are these changes happening?

The TGA restriction on the maximum pack sizes of paracetamol products will take place from 1 February 2025, but you may start seeing changes to some Panadol products on retail shelves as early as October 2024.

Where can I find more information about these changes?

If you would like more detailed information or if you have specific questions about your Panadol product, please:

  • Call Haleon Consumer Relations on 1800 028 533
  • Visit the TGA website https://www.tga.gov.au/
  • Consult your healthcare professional
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I have other questions, where can I seek out more information?

Please check our FAQ page which also addresses questions like:

  • How often can you take Panadol
  • Panadol and pregnancy use
  • How long does Panadol last
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References:

1Circana Scan Data for Pain Management in unit sales for MAT 26/05/2024 for total Australian Market 2Readers Digest Most Trusted Brand in Pain Relief – Panadol 2010-20243GSK Sponsored Study: Geoffrey D Clarke, Ian M Adams, Fiona M Dunagan, Using suitability profiles to better inform consumers' choice of commonly used over-the-counter analgesics, International Journal of Pharmacy Practice, Volume 16, Issue 5, October 2008, Pages 333–336. Accessed June 2024. Accessible at: https://doi.org/10.1211/ijpp.16.5.0009

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