Combination medication provides innovative option for pain relief when taken as directed
8 June, 2017 –

The Australian Self Medication Industry (ASMI) today reminded consumers that it is imperative to follow the instructions on the labels of all medications, and seek advice from a healthcare professional if anything is unclear to them.
This follows the release of an article by NPS Medicinewise , which addressed confusion among consumers regarding the over-the-counter (OTC) paracetamol-ibuprofen combination analgesic medicines (for example, Nuromol).
NPS MedicineWise is an independent, not-for-profit and evidence-based organisation that works to improve the way medicines are used.

Following a comprehensive Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) review of the safety and efficacy of paracetamol-ibuprofen combination medicines for the short-term relief of acute pain, these products were permitted to be advertised and allowed broader access from June 1, 2016 (these products are only available in pharmacies).
Advertising and improved ease of access has resulted in greater consumer interest and uptake of these innovative medicines, which provide another option for the relief of shortterm acute pain.

These products also provide an alternative for consumers who previously used OTC codeine-containing products, which will require a prescription from February 2018.
The labelling for all these products is reviewed and approved by the TGA and contains all the information necessary for consumers to select and use the products correctly.

ASMI urges consumers to always read the label before use and to follow the warnings and dosage instructions on the pack.
OTC paracetamolibuprofen combination analgesics should be used as directed for the short-term management of moderate pain1, 2 for no more than a few days at a time, unless on medical advice.
If pain persists, consumers should consult their healthcare professional.

The TGA has an adverse event reporting process in place for all therapeutic goods.
Both manufacturers and healthcare professionals such as pharmacists and doctors are obliged to report adverse events to the TGA.

References
1. Therapeutic Goods Administration. Scheduling delegate’s final decisions: Paracetamol / Ibuprofen, May 2016. Canberra: Australian Government Department of Health, 2016. [Online] (accessed 20 December 2016).
2. Expert Group for Analgesics. Therapeutic Guidelines: Analgesic. Melbourne: Therapeutic Guidelines Ltd, 2012. [Online] (accessed 23 December 2016).