OTC paracetamol is for short term use
4 March 2015 –
The Australian Self Medication Industry (ASMI) confirmed that over-the-counter (OTC) paracetamol is for short term use and has a well-known safety profile, when taken at the recommended dose.
ASMI Regulatory and Scientific Affairs Director Steve Scarff said:
“Worldwide, paracetamol has a long history of use and a well-established safety profile.
It has been available in Australia for many years, but like all medicines it must be taken only as directed.
“The recommended paracetamol dose for adults and children 12 years and over is 500 to 1000 mg every four to six hours as necessary, with a maximum of 4000 mg in any 24 hour period. 1
“Consumers who require pain relief for longer than a few days should consult with their doctor.
“Like any medicine, it is important that consumers adhere to approved doses and warning statements on the pack.
“Consumers who have concerns about their medicines should seek advice from a healthcare professional,” Mr Scarff added.
References:
1. Australian Government: Department of Health and Ageing. Therapeutics Goods Administration. Recommended paracetamol doses. Available at http://www.tga.gov.au/consumers/informationparacetamol-doses.htm
2015 Intergenerational Report highlights role of self care in national healthcare policy
5 March 2015 –
The Australian Self Medication Industry (ASMI) today said that the 2015 Intergenerational Report (IGR) highlights the need for self care to play a more prominent role in national healthcare policy.
The IGR states that Commonwealth health expenditure is projected to increase from 4.2 per cent of GDP in 2014-15 to 5.5 per cent of GDP in 2054-55 under the Federal Government’s ‘proposed policy’ scenario.
In today’s dollars, health spending per person is projected to more than double from around $2,800 to around $6,500. 1
ASMI Executive Director, Dr Deon Schoombie, said:
“The Intergenerational Report points to the need to reorient the healthcare system towards prevention of the many lifestyle diseases forecast to drive spiralling cost increases in Australia’s healthcare system during the next 40 years.
“It also highlights the need for the health system to support consumers to take more responsibility for managing minor conditions and chronic illnesses in partnership with health professionals rather than being passive recipients of healthcare.
“The IGR reinforces the need for the Federal Government to put in place policy settings that encourage self care – where consumers are more engaged in managing their health, whether preventing disease, treating symptoms, managing chronic conditions or enhancing their well-being.
“Self care requires informed consumers; the expertise of GPs, pharmacists and other healthcare practitioners; the supply by industry of evidence based-products; government to facilitate a regulatory environment conducive to self care, and private health insurers to create incentives that will encourage self care behaviour.
“In Australia, the newly formed Self Care Alliance is advising governments on ways to increase the prominence of self care in national healthcare policy.
Government must make self care integral to health policy, with stakeholders working to develop affordable, practical and sustainable solutions.
These should include greater investment in health promotion and disease prevention.
“Expanded self care, along with improved health literacy, should lighten the load on Australia’s hard pressed health services and Federal Budget during the next 40 years, whilst improving patient outcomes, consumer convenience and quality of life,” he added.
References:
1. Commonwealth Government. 2015 Intergenerational Report. Australia in 2055. 5 March 2015. http://www.treasury.gov.au/Policy-Topics/PeopleAndSociety/Intergenerational-Report