Drug Shortage: Foreign Supply of Children’s Painkillers Coming

Health Canada announced Monday that it has secured an overseas supply of acetaminophen for children as parents continue to struggle to find pain relievers and fever reducers for their children amid rising respiratory illnesses. .

This shipment will be available in retail stores “in the next few weeks” or accessible to parents at local pharmacies.

The foreign supply of acetaminophen is in addition to Health Canada’s recent approval of the importation of ibuprofen and acetaminophen for infants and children to supply Canadian hospitals. The agency says supplies of ibuprofen have been imported and distribution is underway.

Health Canada said all imports of foreign-licensed products “subject to careful scrutiny” to ensure that the products meet Canada’s safety and efficacy standards.

In the meantime, the Federal Health Service is urging parents not to stockpile pain relievers for their children to ensure others have access to these drugs as shortages continue. If caregivers cannot find the medicine they need, Health Canada encourages them to talk to their pharmacist about available alternative medicines.

Health Canada has stated that “the amount imported will increase the supply available to It remains unclear whether

In a statement, Health Canada said, “We share the concern of parents and caregivers of missing acetaminophen and ibuprofen in infants and children. and pain relief.” “We are committed to exploring all possible options to end this shortage.”

In August, Health Canada confirmed there was a nationwide shortage of children’s pain relievers. It’s attributed to a combination of rising consumer demand due to what the pharmaceutical company called an “unprecedented” cold and flu season in Canada.

The federal government is under increasing pressure from states and federal opposition parties to do more to triage nationwide shortages. For example, in recent weeks, the Conservative Party has asked the federal government to allow the importation and sale of foreign-language labeled versions of the same prescription as over-the-counter pediatric pain relievers.

Health Canada said that in relation to future supplies, “all information relating to cautions and warnings, dosing instructions, ingredients, and other important details should make it clear to parents and caregivers what the medicine is. It will be available in both English and French so you can understand how to use it and give it to your children.”

Last week, Federal Health Minister Jean-Yves Duclos spoke with state officials about the pressure bare shelves are putting on families and children’s hospitals.

Duclos has committed to working with manufacturers, distributors and health stakeholders, including Advil producer Haleon and Tylenol Johnson & Johnson makers, to come up with solutions to the shortage. Meanwhile, some parents report going to great lengths to ensure they can.