Media release from the Pharmacy Guild of New Zealand

The Pharmacy Guild of New Zealand (the Guild) is concerned about the public perception that paracetamol and other readily accessible medicines can be taken without risk.

This follows the release of a report stating that two children over the past three months have needed liver transplants after overdosing on paracetamol. Today's Dominion Post leads with the story "Overdose toddlers need new livers".

"Access to these medicines is currently unlimited in supermarkets," says Guild President and community pharmacist, Ian Johnson.

"It is of great concern to the Guild that paracetamol is easily accessible without the professional advice of a trained health professional. It is optimistic to think that the instructions on the packet are all the advice that the average patient needs. What many people don't know is that paracetamol is present in multiple over-the-counter products and it is very easy to take more than the recommended daily dose."

As the medicines experts, community pharmacists ensure that patients and their children take the right dosage that is safe for them.

"It is essential to talk to your community pharmacist before you take any medicines," says Ian. "We are trained to assess the patient's condition and recommend safe and effective treatments. We ensure patients receive the right medicines for the right reason."