Children's flu and pain medications in short supply across B.C.
An unprecedented cold and flu season coupled with supply chain issues is leading to a shortage of liquid Advil and Tylenol for kids across British Columbia.
At Fort Royal pharmacy in Victoria, kids’ liquid pain and fever medicationss are in short supply. Owner Vik Bawa said he's had frantic parents stopping in to get what they can amid a country-wide shortage. The pharmacy still has a few bottles of the less popular grape flavour.
"We've been feeling a shortage for the past couple of weeks," explained Bawa. "Even the big box stores like Walmart and Shoppers, they're feeling the crunch."
According Haleon, Advil's parent company, COVID-19 and an “unprecedented” cold and flu season are spiking demand, while supply chain issues and shortages of raw materials and labour are decreasing supply.
"We are working tirelessly with our suppliers, manufacturing partners, and the government to address these issues and return to inventory levels that are aligned to current demand,” the company said in a statement.
While acetaminophen and ibuprofen are popular among parents, there are alternatives, according to the B.C. Pharmacy Association. The key, said president Jamie Wigston, is to talk to a pharmacist first, as typically smaller doses of adult versions of the drugs may be used. He said pharmacies may be able to compound what's available and mix it with a syrup to make a liquid.
"It's not as though you can't get any of those products, you may not be able to get them as you had before," Wigston added.
Drug Shortages Canada reports other kids’ medications may also be hard to find. The website said Tempra Infant Drops is experiencing a shortage. Another generic manufacturer reports its chewable acetaminophen tablets for kids are in short supply as well.
And while the shortages may make families want to stock up, experts say that could just make things worse.
"It's not as if you have to go in, put your hand on the shelf and brush everything into your cart," said Wigston. “There are many options right now."
The Health Ministry said it’s monitoring the situation. In a statement, officials said while some stores may see intermittent shortages, the government has been informed there’s adequate supply at the wholesale level. "The B.C. Ministry of Health is working with Health Canada, other provinces and territories as well as various stakeholders to address concerns about supply level of these products," the statement added.
BC Children's Hospital confirmed to CTV News that it has "sufficient supply" in stock for patients.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Police officer hit by driver of fleeing vehicle in Toronto
York Regional Police say they are continuing to search for a suspect in an auto theft investigation who was captured on video running over a police officer in Toronto last month.
Premier Legault reiterates that McGill pro-Palestinian camp must be dismantled
Quebec Premier François Legault reiterated that the pro-Palestinian encampment at McGill University must be dismantled while police remain 'on the lookout for new developments.'
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.
The UN warns Sudan's warring parties that Darfur risks starvation and death if aid isn't allowed in
The United Nations food agency warned Sudan's warring parties Friday that there is a serious risk of widespread starvation and death in Darfur and elsewhere in Sudan if they don't allow humanitarian aid into the vast western region.
‘We made them safer and more fun’: Here’s what’s new about e-scooters
Electric scooters (e-scooters) have been gaining popularity in the capital and this season comes with some changes and updates.
Two killed after collision with truck on Hwy. 417 near Limoges, Ont.
Ontario Provincial Police say two people were killed after a car and a transport truck collided in the westbound lanes of Highway 417 near Limoges, Ont. on Tuesday afternoon.
The kids from 'Mrs. Doubtfire' are all SUPER grown up now, and we're not OK
The adorable trio of child actors from the 1993 classic comedy 'Mrs. Doubtfire,' which starred the late and great Robin Williams, are all grown up and looking back on their seminal time together.
Hulk Hogan, hurricanes and a blockbuster recording: A week in review of the Trump hush money trial
Crucial witnesses took the stand in the second week of testimony in Donald Trump's hush money trial, including a California lawyer who negotiated deals at the center of the case and a longtime adviser to the former president.
Golf season a summer tourism driver in Canada
Golf is a sign of spring and summer and a major driver for seasonal tourism, experts say.