Paracetamol Osteo (665mg) to Pharmacist Only Medicine
From 1 June 2020, in order to purchase modified release 665mg paracetamol products, like Panadol Osteo, from a pharmacy you will need to talk with a pharmacist. It is important to discuss with your healthcare provider about the best treatment options available to you for ongoing pain.
What is modified release paracetamol?
Modified release paracetamol (sometimes labelled as sustained release, slow release, extended release, or Osteo) is formulated with a higher dose of paracetamol per tablet (665 mg) compared to immediate release paracetamol at 500 mg per tablet. In modified release formulations, paracetamol is released into the body more slowly and has a more convenient 8-hourly dosing regimen compared to the immediate release products (usually taken 4-6-hourly).
This includes these medicines:
· PANADOL OSTEO
· APO-OSTEO RELIEF
· CHEMISTS OWN OSTEO RELIEF PARACETAMOL
· OSTEOMOL
· PARACETAMOL OSTEO SR
· PHARMACY ACTION PARACETAMOL OSTEO
Overdose or misuse with modified release paracetamol has significant health risks, whether intentional or accidental, has been a common occurrence in Australia and many other countries. The complex and unpredictable concentrations of the medicine in the blood of modified release paracetamol following an overdose makes it very difficult to treat in emergency situations using the standard antidote for immediate release paracetamol overdoses.
The changes mean that you will need to speak to a pharmacist to ensure the medicine is appropriate for you and will be used safely and correctly. If a pharmacist thinks that a particular medicine is not suitable for the condition, is unsafe for the person or is being misused, they may suggest another treatment, refuse the sale of a product and/or refer you to a doctor.
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