Cough and cold sales hit record highs, according to Canada’s largest drugstore chain

Brampton, Ontario. – According to Canada’s largest drugstore chain, cough Cold products hit record highs this fall.

Galen G. Weston, Chairman and President of Loblaw Cos. Ltd., said the combination of COVID-19, RSV and influenza has resulted in a record number of infections. cough Sales of cold medicines at the company’s pharmacies, including Shoppers Drug Mart and Pharmaprix.

He says manufacturers of multinational and generic brands are struggling to keep up with the surge in demand.

Weston said “unusual pressure” on the industry has led to shortages, with retailers having limited inventories of some medicines.

He said manufacturers are working hard to make more products available, but there is no telling when the shortage will end.

The company also saw sustained growth in prescription drug sales this fall, Weston said.

His comments to analysts on Wednesday came when Loblaw said overall same-store sales at drugstores increased 7.7% in the most recent quarter.

The company’s pre-pharmacy store same-store sales, which include over-the-counter drug sales and exclude prescription drugs, increased 10.7% in the quarter ended October 8.

Metro Inc., which operates pharmacies such as Jean Coutu and Brunet, reports a 7.4% increase in pharmacy same-store sales in the latest quarter.

Pharmacy front-store sales increased 9.9% in the fourth quarter that ended Sept. 24, driven primarily by over-the-counter products and cosmetics, the company said Wednesday.

The federal government has said assistance is being provided to address the shortage, and Health Canada has arranged for the importation of children’s pain relievers and fever reducers from the United States and Australia.

“What we are asking parents to do is buy only what they need and make sure they have enough medicine for their sick children, but how stressful and frightening this can be for families. I understand,” said Karina Gould, federal minister for families, children and social development.

This report by the Canadian Press was first published on November 16, 2022.

– Using files from Cindy Tran in Ottawa