Australia has a paracetamol poisoning problem. This is what we should be doing to reduce harm

Most of us take paracetamol every now and again to reduce pain or fever. As far as medications go, it’s one we’re unlikely to associate with harm.

But in a study published today in the Medical Journal of Australia, my colleagues and I reveal a concerning increase in paracetamol poisonings, and resulting liver damage, in Australia over the last decade.

In fact, paracetamol is actually the number one pharmaceutical Australian poisons centres receive calls about.

Paracetamol is safe if used appropriately, at a maximum of four grams per day in adults (equivalent to eight 500mg tablets, or six 665mg modified release tablets). However when this dose is exceeded, there is a potential for harm. And the bigger the dose, the greater the risk.

It’s time to consider restrictions, including reducing pack sizes and changing the way paracetamol is sold.

Read more: Weekly Dose: paracetamol may be our favourite mild painkiller, but it doesn't work for everything

Our study

We analysed data from national hospital admissions, poisons centre calls, and coroners’ records to examine poisonings, liver injuries, and deaths.

The annual number of cases of paracetamol poisoning increased by 44% from 2007-2008 to 2016-2017.

In that time, we recorded more than 95,000 paracetamol-related hospitalisations.

Liver injury from paracetamol has doubled over the same period. This is likely because people are taking more tablets when they overdose than in previous years, increasing the risk of liver failure.

More than 200 people died from paracetamol poisoning in Australia in the ten year period.

What a paracetamol overdose does to your body

Paracetamol itself is not toxic, but in large amounts it overwhelms the body’s ability to process it safely. This can lead to build up of a toxic metabolite (or break-down product), which binds to liver cells, causing these cells to die.

The quantity that constitutes a toxic dose depends on circumstances including the time period in which the paracetamol is taken, and the person’s weight. But any adult ingesting more than four grams in a day could be at risk.

In severe cases, liver failure means the person will need a liver transplant, or they won’t survive.

Paracetamol is the leading cause of acute liver failure in the Western world.

Read more: We need to talk about this paracetamol problem....don't we?

There is an antidote to paracetamol toxicity, called N-acetylcysteine (NAC), which is given as an intravenous infusion in hospital. Importantly, NAC works best when given early: it should be started before any symptoms appear. Symptoms of paracetamol poisoning – nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain – indicate damage has already started to occur.

Patients who take very large overdoses, and overdoses with modified release paracetamol, are more likely to sustain liver failure despite treatment with the antidote.

Modified release paracetamol comes in a higher strength, designed to be released over a longer period, which can be confusing and result in overdose.

Accidental vs intentional overdosing

Overdoses can be either accidental or intentional, and our figures include both.

Paracetamol is not a drug people become addicted to, or dependent on, in the same way people do with opioids or other drugs.

Intentional poisonings occur when people knowingly take too much paracetamol as a form of self-harm. In our research, about three-quarters of cases were intentional.

People might accidentally overdose because they are in pain, and believe because paracetamol is so widely available, it must be safe. They take more than the recommended dose, or take multiple different paracetamol-containing products together, resulting in harm.

Poisons centres also receive calls about children having too much paracetamol, usually due to dosing errors or a child finding and ingesting the medicine.

Read more: Research Check: does paracetamol in pregnancy cause child behavioural problems?

Some tips to avoid accidentally overdosing

It’s important to be aware of the many brands of paracetamol-containing products, including cold and flu products, to avoid doubling up. People should also read the pack and ensure they follow the dosing instructions.

Parents should consider the following to avoid overdosing in children:

• paracetamol should be stored out of reach (for example, don’t leave it on the bench or change table after use)
• paracetamol can be dosed every four to six hours, but must not exceed four doses in a 24 hour period
• keep track of doses given and when by writing them down
• read the label carefully and ensure you understand how to use the syringe/dosing device correctly.

Changing the way paracetamol is sold

Paracetamol poisoning and resultant liver injury is preventable, and some simple public health measures could have a significant impact.

In Australia, paracetamol can be purchased outside of pharmacies (for example, in supermarkets) in packs of 20 tablets. In pharmacies, packs of 100 can be purchased without needing to speak to a pharmacist.

In both cases, there are no legal restrictions on the number of packs one person can purchase. This is out of step with many other countries, especially the UK and Europe.

Read more: Is it ok to give children pain killers? We asked five experts

The UK restricted packs to 32 tablets in pharmacies and 16 tablets outside of pharmacies in 1998, as a response to increasing deaths from paracetamol. This resulted in a long-term reduction in paracetamol poisonings, liver injury, and deaths.

Many European counties don’t allow non-pharmacy sales of paracetamol, and have small packs in pharmacies. Denmark has gone one step further, restricting paracetamol sales to those aged 18 and over.

Modified release paracetamol

In our study, modified release paracetamol overdoses increased by 38% each year, and were disproportionately involved in deaths.

Modified release paracetamol has been completely banned in Europe. This is due to documented harms, including increased risk of liver failure and death.

The Therapeutic Goods Administration recently announced modified release paracetamol would become Schedule 3 in 2020, meaning it will be behind the pharmacist’s counter.

This restriction is a step in the right direction, but ignores the fact regular paracetamol can be purchased in large quantities without consultation with a health-care professional.

Read more: Curious Kids: How does pain medicine work in the body?

Due to its widespread use, paracetamol is likely to remain a common source of poisoning. Our study shows it’s increasingly important we take measures to reduce harm from these events.

Restricting pack sizes and restricting availability of modified release paracetamol are crucial first steps. We also need increased public awareness of how to use paracetamol safely.

If this article has raised issues for you, or if you’re concerned about someone you know, call Lifeline on 13 11 14. For advice on suspected paracetamol overdose, call the Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26.