Laboratoire Riva, a maker of generic and over-the-counter brand drugs, reported on Tuesday that there was a shortage of acetaminophen chewable tablets for children.
The Quebec-based company cited an increase in demand, according to Health Canada's DrugShortagesCanada.ca website for drug sellers to report when demand cannot be met. increase.
A combination of supply chain issues and unseasonable demand has led to months of shortages of liquid children's Tylenol across the country, prompting a hospital for sick children in Toronto to warncaregivers on Monday. and patientof the possibility. Challenges in accessing liquid acetaminophen and ibuprofen and the recommendation to obtain a prescription from your SickKids care provider to ensure access.
Of Ottawa, he said CHEO (Children's Hospital Eastern Ontario) is also taking steps to ensure there are no issues with patient supply.
Tylenol is the trade name for acetaminophen, and ibuprofen is also known by the trade names Advil and Motrin.
One of her, an Ontario-based pharmacist who works for a national chain, told CTVNews.ca that an over-the-counter Tylenol suspension version has been available since about his May or her June. Said it was awaiting delivery.
Pharmacists say even generic store brands of liquid acetaminophen have been out of stock for months, and large 500 ml bottles of acetaminophen stored behind counters and used for prescriptions are , added that most hospitals typically do not have stocks on a regular basis. In stock and currently on backorder.
A letter from SickKids suggests using alternative medications such as chewable tablets, but talk to your pharmacist or health care provider to ensure the correct product and dosage are administered safely. importance is emphasized.
The Canada drug shortage report, published on Tuesday,80mg, 24 tablets and 160mg, 20 tablets packages Riva of acetaminophen chewables. The company did not immediately respond to phone or email inquiries.
Separately, Paladin Labs Inc. on Wednesday launched a shortage of 80 mg Tempra Infant Drops of acetaminophen in 15 ml and 24 ml size bottles. reported. According to the Drug Shortage Reporting website, the drug company had previously reported on July 27 that he was short of 100ml of acetaminophentempra children's syrup.
We can catch up. "But raw materials, sourcing, and putting it all together are creating challenges when it comes to sustaining and sustaining the supply of these products."
36} "Additionally, there is unprecedented demand for colds and flu, as well as fevers and pains not typically seen at this time of year."
Some of Canada's largest pharmacy chains did not immediately respond to inquiries about shortages and prospects. Loblaws, who owns the Shoppers Drug Mart, sent the question back to Bates.
"The manufacturer has not yet indicated when this will be restocked," Bates said.
“We are monitoring the situation closely.
Families are 'stressed'
Some parents who are worried about falls are stocking up.
"Many families are very stressed about this," Dina Kulik, M.D., a Toronto-based pediatrician, told CTV News Channel on Wednesday. It started in early spring and has continued in some parts of the country, Kulik said.
"The virus remains very high throughout the year. We don't usually see that many viruses at this time of year." But as we head into viral season, many of us worry that we won't have access to the pain and fever medicines our children need to make them feel pain. It gets better when you're sick."
SickKids noted that while some retail pharmacies may have a good supply of the over-the-counter version, others have to be filled by a pharmacist.
``For this reason, medicines may require a prescription. We are reminding patients and families in need of liquid pain relievers or fever medicines to obtain a prescription from their SickKids care provider to ensure access.Email statement to CTVNews.ca She added that the letter was not intended to be a recommendation to the general public. , pharmacists may be able to dispense large bottles into small-capacity containers with appropriate labels and dosages.
Historically, physicians were not required to write prescriptions for these types of over-the-counter drugs.
"If there is a real shortage, we might all have to write prescriptions," she said, noting that doctors usually call about certain ailments. He added that he would provide a prescription.
"Most doctors would be comfortable administering acetaminophen or ibuprofen over the phone or in a virtual consultation."
It is unclear how long the shortage will last, but medical experts advises against hoarding.
"I know there is a lot of anxiety out there. We want to avoid hoarding, so this is about having prescriptions that can cover both private and public drug programs. to ensure that it is available to everyone who needs it,” Bates said.
