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HANNAH MARTIN / Things
A mother from Tauranga expresses concern about the possibility of children buying paracetamol products (file photo).
A mother from Tauranga is asking for an age restriction for the sale of acetaminophen after her daughter tried an overdose of pain relievers before Christmas.
She wonders why children can buy something so dangerous anywhere it is sold.
“Yes, most of the population use Panadol and have it in their homes, but … how many really know that you can literally die from taking too many? “
The woman’s teenage daughter had to be hospitalized after attempting to kill herself for an overdose of a full pack of Panadol that she bought herself at a local dairy.
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Like many parents of children struggling with depression, anxiety, and life in general, the woman had everything from kitchen knives, scissors, Panadol, and other medications stored at home.
“I thought we were pretty safe in our home as my daughter tried to die multiple times over the last year… but she couldn’t get into our locked closet to get enough tablets to finish it.
“[But] He was able to go to the local Four Square and buy a packet of Panadol, along with his chocolate bar.
“It didn’t even occur to me that she would be allowed to buy Panadol if she were underage … otherwise I would never have let her go alone.”
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There is currently no age restriction for paracetamol products in New Zealand supermarkets (file photo).
If it weren’t for the teenager calling the crisis team, the woman says her daughter wouldn’t be alive today.
“I thank the A&E team [in Tauranga].
“They started her on the antidote medicine to try to counteract the damage that Panadol causes to the liver.
“It was horrible watching her vomit for hours on end, plus the chronic stomach pain around her liver.
“Destroy your liver and this is how you die.
“We won’t know for months if there is any permanent damage, even though she was treated so quickly.”
The woman asks that the purchase of Panadol be restricted so that those under 18 cannot freely access it.
All drugs have an element of risk, said Medsafe group manager Chris Jame.
“The side effects of the medications are listed on the fact sheets.
When taken in the correct dose, ibuprofen is associated with a broader range of side effects than paracetamol [for example irritating the stomach].
“However, acetaminophen is generally known to be more dangerous in overdose.”
Jame said that adverse reactions after taking too much acetaminophen can include acute liver failure after an overdose.
“We would advise parents in the same situation to seek help and support from family, their doctor, and the free 1737 call or text service.
“Currently we do not know of any legislation that prevents the sale of Panadol to minors in New Zealand
“However, we note that Countdown has put some voluntary restrictions on acetaminophen.”
Medsafe has made an inquiry regarding the proposed changes to the paracetamol warnings and notices that should be displayed on the packaging.
– SunLive report.
WHERE TO GET HELP:
1737, do you need to talk? Call or text 1737 toll free anytime for support from a trained counselor
Lifeline: 0800 543 354 or (09) 5222999 in Auckland
Youthline – 0800 376 633, toll free 234 or email [email protected] or online chat
Samaritans – 0800 726 666
Suicide Crisis Helpline – 0508 828 865 (0508 SUPPORT)
What’s Up – 0800 942 8787 (for children from 5 to 18 years old). Telephone counseling is available Monday through Friday, noon to 11 p.m. M. And on weekends, from 3 pm. M. A 11 p. M. Online chat is available from 7 pm to 10 pm every day.
Kidsline – 0800 54 37 54 (0800 kidsline) for young people up to 18 years of age. Open 24/7.
thelowdown.co.nz – or send an email to [email protected] or send a free text message to 5626
Anxiety New Zealand – 0800 ANXIETY (0800 269 4389)
Supporting families with mental illness – 0800732825
