Pharmacy Connect attendees will have the opportunity to gain an in-depth look at self-harm from intentional paracetamol misuse, with Dr Rose Cairns, Director of Research at the New South Wales Poisons Information Centre, joining the conference speaker line-up.
Dr Cairns will address the high prevalence of accidental and deliberate paracetamol poisoning in Australia as part of the Harm Minimisation Workshop at Pharmacy Connect on Thursday, 1 September.
The issue of paracetamol misuse and poisoning in Australia has resulted in the TGA commissioning a report by independent experts on the matter.
Harm minimisation workshop facilitator and community pharmacist, Angelo Pricolo says pharmacists should not be alarmed but informed, as the report may substantially change the paracetamol landscape in Australia.
“There are four Poisons Information Centres (PICs) in Australia, which receive around 220,000 calls per year, 8000 of which are related to paracetamol,” says Mr Pricolo.
“Paracetamol is the number one drug PICs are called about, with twice as many calls as any other drug.
“As paracetamol sales are relevant to all pharmacies in Australia, this session is a must-attend.”
During her workshop session Dr Cairns, who provided input into the TGA report, will outline ways pharmacists can prevent harm from paracetamol poisoning.
Dr Cairns will be joined at the workshop by other expert speakers who will explore the use of licit and illicit drugs (and habits) and the mechanisms available to pharmacists to keep communities safe.
For further details on this workshop and to register, visit pharmacy-connect.com.au.
