Ibuprofen will continue to be sold in supermarkets

Painaustralia welcomes the Therapeutic Goods Administration final decision on ibuprofen, indicating there will be no changes to access and it will continue to be sold in supermarkets on the basis that the current Schedule 2 and Schedule 3 entries remain appropriate.

The Advisory Committee on Medicines Scheduling received six submissions (three opposed changes to access and three were in favour of changes) however no signficant new evidence was received and there was therefore no reason to alter the interim decision to maintain the current arrangements for sale of ibuprofen.

The current Australian scheduling arrangements for ibuprofen are in line with other countries including the UK, Canada, USA and New Zealand. It has been sold over-the-counter in Australian pharmacies for 30 years and in general retail for 15 years with limited reported adverse effects and a well established safety profile.

Painaustralia is pleased that Australians will continue to have 24-hour access to ibuprofen for pain relief.

“Many Australians rely on ibuprofen for pain relief and appreciate the convenience of being able to purchase it in supermarkets, often after hours and at a cost effective price,” said Painaustralia CEO Carol Bennett.

“We need to ensure safe and effective pain relief medication is readily available when people need it for short-term acute pain.”

The Committee noted Painaustralia’s concerns about labelling of ibuprofen and will refer this to the appropriate area in the TGA for consideration.

Our consumer survey on ibuprofen indicated there may be a need for more information about possible risks associated with the medication and for a review of existing public awareness campaigns and resources. 

Download our ibuprofen submission.