Tylenol shortage hits generic chewable tablets

Laboratoire Riva, maker of generic and private label drugs, reported a shortage of children’s acetaminophen chewable tablets on Tuesday.

The Quebec-based company is citing increased demand, according to DrugShortagesCanada.ca, a Health Canada website for drug sellers to report when they are unable to meet demand.

A nationwide shortage of children’s liquid Tylenol that has lasted for months due to a combination of supply chain issues and unusually high demand prompted The Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto to notify caregivers and nurses on Monday. patients of potential difficulties accessing liquid acetaminophen and ibuprofen, as well as a recommendation to obtain a prescription from their SickKids care provider to ensure access.

Ottawa’s CHEO (Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario) also said it was taking steps to ensure there were no supply issues for its patients.

Tylenol is the brand name for acetaminophen, while ibuprofen is also known by the brand names Advil and Motrin.

An Ontario-based pharmacist working for a national chain told CTVNews.ca that the over-the-counter suspension version of Tylenol has been out of stock since around May or June.

The pharmacist said even the generic store brand for liquid acetaminophen had been out of stock for months, adding that the large 500ml bottles of acetaminophen stored behind the counter and used for prescriptions are usually not regularly stocked in most stores and are also currently on back order.

SickKids’ letter also suggested using alternative forms of medication, including chewable tablets, but stressed the importance of speaking with a pharmacist or healthcare provider to ensure the correct product and dosages. are administered safely.

Reports of drug shortages in Canada released Tuesday were for the 80mg, 24-tablet and 160mg, 20-tablet packs of chewable acetaminophen manufactured by Riva. The company did not immediately respond to questions by phone or email.

Separately, Paladin Labs Inc. also reported a shortage of its 80mg Tempra Infant acetaminophen drops in 15ml and 24ml bottles on Wednesday due to « discontinued manufacturing of the drug, » according to the site. Drug shortage reporting web. The drugmaker previously reported a shortage of its 100ml acetaminophen Tempra children’s syrup on July 27.

“We know there are challenges within the global supply chain with drugmakers doing everything they can to catch up,” Ontario Pharmacists CEO Justin Bates said Wednesday. Association, at CTV News Channel. “But the raw materials, the sourcing and the assembly of all of this has posed challenges in terms of maintaining and sustaining the supply of these products.”

« And on top of that we have unprecedented demand from both colds and flu as well as fever and pain that we don’t normally see at this time of year. »

Some of Canada’s largest drugstore chains did not immediately respond to questions about shortages and the outlook. Loblaws, owner of Shoppers Drug Mart, referred the claims to Bates.

“Manufacturers are not yet indicating when this will be restocked,” Bates said.

“We are monitoring the situation closely. They work very hard to make sure the shelves are stocked and we hope that by the fall when we see the peak of cold and flu season, we will have more supply on the shelves.

« STRESSED » FAMILIES

Some parents, worried about the fall, make reservations.

“A lot of families are very stressed about this. We’re heading into what we fear will be a really crazy viral season,” Toronto pediatrician Dr. Dina Kulik told CTV News Channel on Wednesday.

The shortages began in early spring, Kulik said, and are continuing in parts of the country.

« Viruses have remained very high throughout the year. We don’t usually see as many viruses at this time of year, but we are heading towards… [the] viral season, many of us worry that children won’t have access to the pain and fever medications they need to feel better when they’re sick.

SickKids said that while some retail pharmacies may have an ample supply of over-the-counter versions, other pharmacies may only have them in large quantities that must be dispensed by a pharmacist.

“For this reason, the drug may require a prescription. Accordingly, SickKids reminds patients and families who have visited the hospital and require a liquid form of pain or fever medication for home use to obtain a prescription from their SickKids care provider to ensure access, » said SickKids spokeswoman Sarah Warr. a statement emailed to CTVNews.ca. She added that the letter was not intended to be a recommendation for the general public.

OPA’s Bates says it’s not mandatory, however, and caregivers can always speak to their pharmacist who may be able to dispense the large bottles into smaller volume containers with labeling and dosage. appropriate.

Historically, doctors haven’t had to write prescriptions for these types of over-the-counter drugs, Kulik noted.

« If there are real shortages, we may all have to write prescriptions, » she said, adding that doctors would typically provide prescriptions over the phone for certain illnesses.

« I think most doctors would feel comfortable giving acetaminophen or ibuprofen over the phone, via virtual visit. »

While it’s unclear how long the shortages will last, medical professionals advise against hoarding.

“I know there’s a lot of anxiety out there. We want to avoid any hoarding and that’s why we’re rationing that by having a prescription that will allow coverage for private drug plans as well as public drug plans, and also, making sure that everyone who need it get it, » Bates said.