Some kids’ pain meds in short supply, but pharmacists say prescription not needed

TORONTO

Ontario drugstores are facing shortages of common children’s pain relievers as stocks run low in other parts of the country, say pharmacists, suggesting that an unexpected summer spike in respiratory illnesses is driving up demand for the drugs.

Some Canadians retailers are struggling to maintain inventory of over-the-counter drugs containing acetaminophen, which is known by the brand name Tylenol, or ibuprofen, the generic version of Advil. In particular, liquid pain relievers for children have been hard to keep in stock.

But even if some stores are sold out, parents still don’t need a prescription to purchase liquid Tylenol or Advil, say pharmacists, noting that there are other formulations that will make their little ones feel better.

The supply crunch is concentrated in urban centres in Ontario, but there have been reports of sporadic, community-specific shortages in other parts of the country, said Barry Power, editor-inchief of the Canadian Pharmacists Association.

While manufacturers have been hampered by supply chain interruptions, Power said he suspects the spread of COVID-19 is driving up demand for pain and fever medication.

“COVID activity over the summer has been a lot higher than anticipated based on previous years,” he said. “If there’s a community where there’s high COVID activity, there’s a higher likelihood they’re going to have shortages.”

Drug manufacturers are ramping up production to get these pain relievers back in stock come fall cold and flu season, Power added.

Jen Belcher, vice-president of the Ontario Pharmacists Association, said the province is seeing an “extensive” shortage of children’s medication containing acetaminophen.

Some pharmacists have had no option but to order stock bottles that run between half a litre and a litre, and are typically reserved for people following doctor’s orders, she said.

Pharmacists can dispense small batches of medication from these bottles without a prescription, said Belcher, but customers will have to wait while they’re being prepared.

But even if a child’s preferred cherry-flavoured syrup isn’t on the shelves, there are alternatives that will do the trick, Belcher said.

Chewable tablets are available for kids who will tolerate them, Belcher said, and in some cases, medication might not be needed to manage symptoms. She advised that parents consult with their pharmacist or another health provider before making any changes.

The shortage has been exacerbated by media reports stoking unfounded concerns that children’s pain relievers now require a prescription, Power said.

“A lot of people don’t have a family physician,” said Power. “Let’s not drive people into doctors’ offices and pharmacies with prescriptions if we don’t need to.”