The New Zealand Self-Medication IndustryMonday 28 June 2010, 5:08PM
Media release from the New Zealand Self Medication
Industry
The New Zealand Self Medication Industry (NZSMI), the industry
body representing non-prescription consumer healthcare products,
has today moved to reassure parents about the positive safety
profile of paracetamol as a painkiller.
"Heiko Petersen, president of the NZSMI, says paracetamol has a
very long history of safe use in children when used as
directed.
"It is certainly very sad to hear in the media today that two small
children became seriously ill following an overdose of
paracetamol. The issue here, however, is that these cases
relate to an overdose. We don't know by how much the recommended
dosage was exceeded or under what circumstances the children took
the medication.
"These medicines are clinically trialled and very safe if used
according to the label. Medsafe has strict regulations around the
packaging and labelling of painkillers and our members fully
observe these requirements.1"
Paracetamol has been available for more than 50 years in New
Zealand and the vast majority of children using it as directed
experience no undesirable effects. Paracetamol remains an effective
and safe option for the first line treatment of pain and fever in
children. Liquid paracetamol products intended for children are
only available from a pharmacy.
Mr Petersen says NZSMI will continue to work with Medsafe on the
safe use of over-the-counter (OTC) products.
"We support any education initiatives by government to improve the
safe use of OTC medicines by the public, pharmacists and GPs.
People should only take OTC medicines as directed on the pack and
they should store them out of reach of children." Ends
1.These requirements are clearly described in Section 4.10 Part D
of the New Zealand Regulatory Guidelines for Medicines