NZ limit 'is not needed' for drug

This box holds 1000 tablets, the number Americans can buy in a single purchase. Photo / Glenn Jeffrey

Restrictions on the use of the widely-used painkiller paracetamol are not necessary in New Zealand, says an industry association covering non-prescription healthcare products.

Concerns in the United States about possible liver damage arising from overuse of the drug have resulted in a recommendation to lower the recommended single maximum dose from 1000mg to 650mg.

The US Food and Drug Administration is considering the recommendations made by three advisory committees to reduce the dose.New Zealand's drug regulator Medsafe is also reviewing the drug's use.

But New Zealand Self-Medication Industry executive director Tim Roper said yesterday the situation in the US was significantly different to New Zealand and moves to impose further regulatory measures were not warranted here.

The NZSMI represents companies that make and distribute non-prescription products.

Mr Roper said paracetamol had a long history of safe and effective use in New Zealand and the risks were minimal when used according to instructions on the label.

"In New Zealand there are pack size restrictions which do not apply in the US. Larger packs up to a maximum of 100 dosage units and children's products can only be sold in pharmacies where professional advice is available when required. Only small pack sizes may be sold in other retail outlets."

The NZSMI works with MedSafe in determining whether additional consumer safeguards may be required.

PARACETAMOL

Maximum number of 500mg tablets allowed to be sold in one transaction:

US: 1000 at supermarket

NZ: 20 at supermarket, 100 at pharmacy with prescription