Dispelling the Myth: Why was Panadol taken off the market? (Hint: It wasn't)

October 8, 2025 •

5 min read

Millions of people worldwide use Panadol, a brand of paracetamol, for pain and fever relief every day. However, a persistent myth circulates asking, 'Why was Panadol taken off the market?' The truth is that while some specific, targeted product recalls have occurred for important safety and quality reasons, the vast majority of Panadol products have remained on the market and are widely available.

Quick Summary

Panadol was never globally banned. While it is widely available, targeted recalls of certain products have occurred for specific safety and quality issues. These include suspensions of modified-release paracetamol in Europe due to overdose risks and batch-specific recalls for contamination or packaging faults in various countries.

Key Points

Panadol was not banned globally: Standard Panadol, which contains paracetamol (acetaminophen), remains widely available for over-the-counter purchase in many countries.
Modified-release paracetamol was suspended in Europe: A significant recall involved specific prolonged-release formulations, like Panadol Osteo, due to the critical risks associated with managing an overdose.
Overdose risk was the primary issue: The slow, sustained release of the modified formula made it difficult for healthcare providers to treat an overdose, prompting their removal.
Recalls can be for quality or packaging issues: Other specific, isolated recalls have occurred for issues unrelated to the medicine's core function, such as faulty packaging or batch contamination.
Always follow dosage instructions: To ensure safety, consumers should always read product labels carefully and never exceed the maximum daily dose of paracetamol from any source.

Panadol is Still Available

Contrary to widespread but incorrect rumors, the pain reliever Panadol has not been universally removed from the market. Panadol is simply one of the many brand names for the common active ingredient paracetamol, known as acetaminophen in the United States. Standard-release Panadol tablets, caplets, and liquid formulations remain readily available over-the-counter in pharmacies and stores across many countries, including Australia, the UK, and parts of Europe. Any claims that Panadol was banned entirely stem from confusion surrounding specific, targeted actions taken by health regulatory bodies regarding certain types of paracetamol products.

The Targeted Recalls and Suspensions

The most significant and well-documented market suspension of a paracetamol product occurred in Europe regarding modified-release formulas. In 2017, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) recommended suspending the marketing authorizations for these products. These longer-acting formulations, often branded with terms like 'Osteo' or 'Extend' (like the now-discontinued Panadol Osteo in Australia), were designed to release the drug slowly over time.

The primary reason for this action was not an inherent flaw with the drug itself but the increased difficulty in managing an overdose. Overdosing on immediate-release paracetamol follows a specific treatment protocol. However, the prolonged-release mechanism of the modified formula meant the drug was absorbed over a longer period, making standard treatment ineffective and delaying treatment decisions in an emergency. The risk was deemed to outweigh the benefits, leading to their withdrawal.

Besides this major regulatory action, several other, smaller-scale recalls of paracetamol products have happened over the years for various reasons. These are typically limited to specific batches or manufacturers and do not affect the general availability of Panadol or other paracetamol brands.

Notable Panadol and Paracetamol Recalls

Child-Resistant Packaging: In 2014, Panadol Advance bottles were recalled in Puerto Rico because they lacked child-resistant packaging, a requirement under the Poison Prevention Packaging Act. The recall was limited to specific lot numbers and did not involve a product quality issue. Consumers were advised to return the bottles for a refund.
Product Contamination: In June 2025, the UK's Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) recalled certain batches of paracetamol 500mg tablets from manufacturer Chelonia Healthcare Limited due to complaints of discolored tablets. This was a precautionary measure linked to potential contamination, a different manufacturer, and did not affect Panadol products.
Manufacturing/Labeling Errors: Recalls can also occur due to manufacturing errors. For example, in 2024, an FDA Class I recall was issued for a different company's extra-strength acetaminophen tablets due to an incorrect drug facts label. Another recall in April 2024 in Australia for a specific batch of Panadol Children's oral liquid was due to a faulty dosing syringe, not the medicine inside.

Panadol vs. Generic Paracetamol and Formulation Types

It is important to distinguish between branded products like Panadol, generic versions, and different formulation types to understand recall information.

Paracetamol Product Comparison


Feature	Panadol (Standard)	Panadol Osteo (Modified-Release)	Generic Paracetamol	Other Recalled Batches
Availability	Widely available over-the-counter.	Suspended in Europe and discontinued in other regions due to overdose risks.	Widely available, with many generic brands on the market.	Specific batches recalled for reasons like packaging or contamination.
Formulation	Immediate-release. Active ingredient absorbs quickly for pain and fever relief.	Dual-layer, providing both quick-release and slow-release action over a longer period.	Immediate-release, chemically identical to standard Panadol.	Varies by manufacturer and specific recall reason.
Overdose Risk	Standardized, well-understood overdose protocol.	Complicates overdose management due to its prolonged absorption time.	Same as standard Panadol. Overdose can cause severe liver damage.	Varies; the contamination or packaging error is the primary risk.
Reason for Withdrawal	N/A (not withdrawn).	Difficulty in managing overdose due to modified-release properties.	N/A (not withdrawn).	Defective product (packaging, contamination), not the active ingredient itself.

How to Use Panadol Safely

To avoid complications and safely use any paracetamol-containing medication, adhere to the following guidelines:

Follow Dosing Instructions: Never exceed the recommended dosage on the product label.
Check All Medications: Be aware of all prescription and over-the-counter medicines you are taking, as many products contain paracetamol (e.g., cold and flu remedies). Taking multiple products containing paracetamol can lead to an accidental overdose.
Be Mindful of Alcohol: Heavy alcohol consumption increases the risk of liver damage when taking paracetamol.
Consult a Healthcare Professional: Discuss your medication regimen with a doctor or pharmacist, especially if you have liver or kidney problems.

Conclusion: Understanding the Difference

The notion that Panadol was removed from the market is a misunderstanding. While the drug itself is safe and effective when used correctly, specific formulations, like modified-release paracetamol, were suspended in some regions due to complexities in overdose treatment. Moreover, isolated recalls of specific batches of various paracetamol products have occurred for quality control issues like packaging or contamination. For consumers, this reinforces the importance of always checking product labels, following dosage instructions, and consulting a pharmacist or doctor with any questions about specific medications.

European Medicines Agency: Modified-release paracetamol-containing products to be suspended from EU market

Key Safety Takeaways

Panadol Is Not Banned: Standard Panadol products remain widely available over-the-counter for pain and fever relief.
Modified-Release Panadol Withdrawn in Europe: This specific formulation was suspended by the EMA due to complexities in managing overdose cases, not standard use.
Overdose Management is Key: The slow-release mechanism of certain formulas made standard overdose treatment difficult, prompting their removal.
Recalls Are Batch-Specific: Minor recalls for issues like faulty packaging or contamination affect limited batches of products and are not a widespread ban.
Check Labels for Safety: Always verify the active ingredient and dosage on product labels to avoid accidental overdose from multiple sources.

FAQs

Question: Is Panadol the same as Tylenol? Answer: Yes, Panadol and Tylenol are both brand names for the same active ingredient, which is called paracetamol in most of the world and acetaminophen in the United States and Japan.

Question: Why was Panadol Osteo recalled? Answer: Panadol Osteo (a modified-release paracetamol product) was suspended in the European market in 2017 because its prolonged absorption complicated the management of an overdose, making it difficult for doctors to administer proper treatment.

Question: Is it dangerous to take Panadol? Answer: When used as directed, Panadol is generally considered safe and effective. However, taking more than the recommended dose can be very dangerous and cause severe liver damage or death.

Question: Are there any other recalls of Panadol products? Answer: While a general Panadol recall has not occurred, specific batches have been recalled for various reasons. For example, in 2014, Panadol Advance was recalled in Puerto Rico due to faulty child-resistant packaging. In 2024, a Panadol Children's oral liquid recall occurred in Australia due to a problem with the dosing syringe.

Question: Can I still buy Panadol in the UK or Australia? Answer: Yes, standard immediate-release Panadol products are still widely available for purchase in pharmacies and stores in both the UK and Australia.

Question: Why did some people think Panadol was banned? Answer: The misconception likely arose from news reports about the suspension of specific, modified-release paracetamol formulations, which some mistakenly interpreted as a complete ban on all Panadol products.

Question: What should I do if I have modified-release paracetamol products? Answer: If you have modified-release products (which would be older stock), you should consult a doctor or pharmacist about a suitable replacement once your supply runs out. Standard immediate-release paracetamol is not affected.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Panadol and Tylenol are both brand names for the same active ingredient, which is called paracetamol in most of the world and acetaminophen in the United States and Japan.

Panadol Osteo (a modified-release paracetamol product) was suspended in the European market in 2017 because its prolonged absorption complicated the management of an overdose, making it difficult for doctors to administer proper treatment.

When used as directed, Panadol is generally considered safe and effective. However, taking more than the recommended dose can be very dangerous and cause severe liver damage or death.

While a general Panadol recall has not occurred, specific batches have been recalled for various reasons. For example, in 2014, Panadol Advance was recalled in Puerto Rico due to faulty child-resistant packaging. In 2024, a Panadol Children's oral liquid recall occurred in Australia due to a problem with the dosing syringe.

Yes, standard immediate-release Panadol products are still widely available for purchase in pharmacies and stores in both the UK and Australia.

The misconception likely arose from news reports about the suspension of specific, modified-release paracetamol formulations, which some mistakenly interpreted as a complete ban on all Panadol products.

If you have modified-release products (which would be older stock), you should consult a doctor or pharmacist about a suitable replacement once your supply runs out. Standard immediate-release paracetamol is not affected.

Standard paracetamol provides immediate relief by releasing the active ingredient quickly. Modified-release versions are designed to release the drug slowly over a longer period. The slow release is what complicated overdose management and led to recalls.