Empty shelves. This is what parents face when they go to the pharmacy to buy acetaminophen or ibuprofen for their sick children. Despite an increase in production by manufacturers, these pediatric drugs remain in short supply. So much so that Ottawa recently approved the “exceptional importation” of products from the United States and Australia to supply hospitals in Canada.
“We are not in a situation where there is a shortage of active ingredients, packaging or labor,” explains the general manager of the Quebec Association of Pharmacy Distributors, Hugues Mousseau. It’s really because the demand remains very strong. »
The shortage, which has been felt since last July, affects all brands of acetaminophen (Tylenol, Tempra and generic medicine) and ibuprofen (Advil and generic medicine) in all forms (syrup, chewable tablets, suppositories) and the flavours.
“Manufacturers have almost doubled the production of pediatric ibuprofen and acetaminophen drugs,” continues Hugues Mousseau. But demand is almost double the historic volumes of the previous five years. »
Respiratory infections, which are currently affecting children, are at the root of the problem, according to the industry and pharmacists. Again on Monday, the occupancy rate on stretchers in Montreal pediatric hospitals approached or exceeded 200%.
Parents contribute to this shortage, according to Hugues Mousseau. “People come to pharmacies to buy them with the prospect of stocking up, because they are afraid of running out if they need them later,” he explains. A behavior to avoid since it amplifies the problem, he adds. Remember that these drugs have an expiry date.
Ottawa imports drugs
According to Health Canada, manufacturers of acetaminophen and ibuprofen supplying the Canadian market “have significantly increased their production”. “Some are producing at record levels and are exploring options to further increase production and expedite restocking where product is needed most,” an email read.
Health Canada states that it recently approved “the exceptional importation of ibuprofen (sold under the Advil brand) from the United States and acetaminophen (sold under the Tylenol brand) from Australia, to supply hospitals in Canada”. “The importation of ibuprofen has taken place, and distribution to hospitals began last week. The importation of the acetaminophen product is expected soon. »
In the meantime, the Montreal Children’s Hospital must manufacture “special preparations” of acetaminophen or ibuprofen in suspension from tablets or powder that it dilute in a liquid.
The hospital claims to have enough tablets. “But the supply of the liquid formulation is not stable,” said the coordinator of the pediatric hospital’s pharmacy department, Thanh Thao Ngo. Thanks to the preparation of drugs in suspension, “no child is penalized”, she underlines. However, this involves “a lot more work”, according to her.
At the Sainte-Justine University Hospital Center (CHU), it is claimed to have “the commonly used analgesics and anti-inflammatories required to treat patients”. “However, the situation is being closely monitored,” we wrote in an email. Tight management of supplies has been ensured since the start of the crisis, and alternative solutions are regularly assessed. »
Community pharmacists also tightly manage their stock. Some are now placing pediatric ibuprofen and acetaminophen products behind the counter, according to Benoit Morin, president of the Quebec Association of Proprietary Pharmacists (AQPP). It is therefore worthwhile to inquire with your pharmacist. Members of the AQPP also prepare vials of acetaminophen in suspension themselves.
Benoit Morin is hopeful that the shortage will subside “as soon as the wave of infections diminishes”. “For us, it’s not necessarily a big concern, but I can understand that for parents, it is,” he says. These are not essential drugs. Of course, it makes the child feel better, but it won’t cure or prevent complications. In case of fever, parents can give their child a lukewarm water bath to relieve him, he recalls.