Paracetamol availability in pharmacy and non-pharmacy outlets in Dublin, Ireland

Mhaoláin, Aine M. Ní; Davoren, Mary; Kelly, Brendan D.; Breen, Eugene G; Casey, Patricia

doi:10.1007/s11845-008-0270-8

Cited by 9 publications

(4 citation statements)

References 4 publications

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“…Following the introduction of the legislation, researchers visiting pharmacy and non-pharmacy outlets in Dublin were able to purchase in excess of statutory limits of paracetamol in a single transaction in half of all pharmacies and the majority of non-pharmacy outlets. This situation largely persisted when the researchers revisited outlets a year later [25]. The present situation in Ireland in this regard requires investigation.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Impact of different pack sizes of paracetamol in the United Kingdom and Ireland on intentional overdoses: a comparative study

et al. 2011

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BackgroundIn order to reduce fatal self-poisoning legislation was introduced in the UK in 1998 to restrict pack sizes of paracetamol sold in pharmacies (maximum 32 tablets) and non-pharmacy outlets (maximum 16 tablets), and in Ireland in 2001, but with smaller maximum pack sizes (24 and 12 tablets). Our aim was to determine whether this resulted in smaller overdoses of paracetamol in Ireland compared with the UK.MethodsWe used data on general hospital presentations for non-fatal self-harm for 2002 - 2007 from the Multicentre Study of Self-harm in England (six hospitals), and from the National Registry of Deliberate Self-harm in Ireland. We compared sizes of overdoses of paracetamol in the two settings.ResultsThere were clear peaks in numbers of non-fatal overdoses, associated with maximum pack sizes of paracetamol in pharmacy and non-pharmacy outlets in both England and Ireland. Significantly more pack equivalents (based on maximum non-pharmacy pack sizes) were used in overdoses in Ireland (mean 2.63, 95% CI 2.57-2.69) compared with England (2.07, 95% CI 2.03-2.10). The overall size of overdoses did not differ significantly between England (median 22, interquartile range (IQR) 15-32) and Ireland (median 24, IQR 12-36).ConclusionsThe difference in paracetamol pack size legislation between England and Ireland does not appear to have resulted in a major difference in sizes of overdoses. This is because more pack equivalents are taken in overdoses in Ireland, possibly reflecting differing enforcement of sales advice. Differences in access to clinical services may also be relevant.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The present situation in Ireland in this regard requires investigation. There is also evidence of breaching of the legislation in non-pharmacy outlets in England [26] but this appeared to be to a far lesser degree than in the post-legislation study in Ireland [25]. …”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Impact of different pack sizes of paracetamol in the United Kingdom and Ireland on intentional overdoses: a comparative study

et al. 2011

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“…Special requirements have been defined for the sale of paracetamol outside of pharmacies. These regulations were introduced due to the prevalence of deliberate poisoning with this medication, often with fatal consequences, in Northern Ireland [33].…”

Section: Irelandmentioning

confidence: 99%

Access to Medicines via Non-Pharmacy Outlets in European Countries—A Review of Regulations and the Influence on the Self-Medication Phenomenon

et al. 2021

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Non-pharmacy trade concerns the sale of medicinal products outside of pharmacies, such as limited-service pharmacies, supermarkets, petrol stations, shops open to the public, and kiosks. Access to medicinal products via non-pharmacy outlets varies across the European countries, with a general deregulation of this market area observable. Increasing the availability of medicines by allowing patients to obtain them outside of pharmacies contributes to the spread of self-medication. The aim of this article was to review the legal regulations enabling the non-pharmacy trade in OTC (over the counter) medicinal products in European countries, with particular emphasis on the analysis of active substances contained in medicines available in the non-pharmacy trade. This analysis has made it possible to distinguish three categories of countries: (1) where there is a non-pharmacy trade in OTC medicinal products, (2) where there is a limited non-pharmacy trade in OTC medicines, (3) where there is only a pharmacy trade in OTC medicinal products. In the context of these considerations, we highlight the impact of patient access to medicinal products via non-pharmacy sources on raising the prevalence of self-medication. This article identifies the advantages and risks of self-medication, emphasising the role of the pharmacist as an advisor to patients within the scope of the therapies used.

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“…The introduction of similar legislation in Ireland in 2001 was duly followed by a significant reduction in the number of tablets taken in paracetamol overdoses (Donohoe et al 2006). It is, of course, imperative that these regulations are enforced in order to maintain this benefit into the future (Ní Mhaoláin et al 2007;Ní Mhaoláin et al 2009). Placing barriers at known suicide locations (e.g.…”

Section: Interventions At the Level Of The Individualmentioning

confidence: 99%

Are we finally making progress with suicide and self-harm? An overview of the history, epidemiology and evidence for prevention

Kelly

2017

Ir. j. psychol. Med.

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Ireland’s suicide rate is falling, but suicide and self-harm remain substantial societal problems. It is not possible to predict suicide at the level of the individual but good primary care, good mental health care and good social care all likely reduce risk. In terms of targeted interventions, public health measures, such as paracetamol pack size regulations, have the best evidence base to support them. Despite increased public and professional discussion, much remains to be done to provide effective, coordinated support to those at risk of suicide and those bereaved. In 2016, there were up to 300 different groups providing support. Clearly, a coordinated, effective and compassionate approach is needed, linking community and state resources meaningfully with each other. Approaches rooted outside of core mental health services will be vital: addressing alcohol problems and other addictions, reducing homelessness, reforming the criminal justice system and improving social care.

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Paracetamol availability in pharmacy and non-pharmacy outlets in Dublin, Ireland

Cited by 9 publications

References 4 publications

Impact of different pack sizes of paracetamol in the United Kingdom and Ireland on intentional overdoses: a comparative study

Impact of different pack sizes of paracetamol in the United Kingdom and Ireland on intentional overdoses: a comparative study

Access to Medicines via Non-Pharmacy Outlets in European Countries—A Review of Regulations and the Influence on the Self-Medication Phenomenon

Are we finally making progress with suicide and self-harm? An overview of the history, epidemiology and evidence for prevention

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