TGA supports warning about overuse of "pain killers"
Media release
29 January 2004
Australia's medicines watchdog, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has today lent its support to warnings about the dangers of over or inappropriate use of common pain relieving products.
The TGA's Principal Medical Adviser, Dr John McEwen, said it is important to stress that a consumer education campaign launched this month by the United States' Food and Drug Administration related to all the common over-the-counter products.
The US campaign has warned about the risks of severe liver damage with excessive doses of products containing paracetamol (known in the USA as acetaminophen). The TGA has already instigated a public awareness campaign last year about the safe use of paracetamol.
"Pain killers on the market in Australia are safe and effective when used according to the directions on the label," he said. "Like all medicines, over the counter medications should be taken with care. In particular, people should always read the label carefully and make sure they take the correct dose."
Dr McEwen said the recent rescheduling of ibuprofen meant that this over the counter medicine can now be sold in supermarkets as well as in pharmacies but it is only available in small packets of 200 mg tablets.
"The recommendation to allow ibuprofen to be sold in other retail outlets other than pharmacies has been taken up by all State and Territory health authorities to give ready access to small quantities of the medication to consumers who might otherwise not be able to go to a pharmacy.
"However, in making this recommendation, the National Drugs and Poisons Schedule Committee (NDPSC) required manufacturers of products that contain ibuprofen to clearly label the medications with warnings about possible side effects.
"These include warnings that the product should not be taken by people with stomach ulcers and should not be taken except on the advice of a doctor by people over 65 years of age, for more than a few days at a time, if they have asthma or are taking aspirin, another anti-inflammatory medicine or other regular medications.
"We are confident that the labelling of these over-the-counter pain products in Australia covers the conditions which are of concern to the US Food and Drug Administration. No better advice can be given than always read the label," Dr McEwen said.
Media inquiries: Kay McNiece, Media Adviser, TGA 0412 132 585