Paracetamol is the drug most frequently used in intentional drug overdose (IDO) in many countries. Its use in IDO is highest among young people (<25 years) and there is evidence of its incidence increasing in countries including Ireland.
In response to this, a working group, led by the Department of Health, was established in 2021 to decipher next steps to prevent intentional paracetamol overdose in Ireland, in line with Connecting for Life, Ireland’s National Strategy to Reduce Suicide (2015-2024). As members of this working group, we were delighted to speak at the launch event for an upcoming information campaign developed by the group aimed at highlighting the importance of paracetamol sales regulations in the context of self-harm and suicide prevention efforts.
For further information on the working group and its activities please see here.
A short, anonymous, baseline survey of knowledge and awareness of paracetamol sales guidance is currently being conducted, and all pharmacy and retail staff who sell paracetamol to the public are invited to take part. To date there has been strong engagement with the survey by pharmacists and we are asking for your support in encouraging all staff in the pharmacy who sell paracetamol to also take part. Responses are entirely anonymous, and no details of place of employment are collected.
If your team are interested in taking part in this study, please click here.