The regulatory body for Alberta pharmacists is asking people to resist buying more medicine than they currently need amid an ongoing, nationwide shortage of children’s cold and flu drugs.

The Alberta College of Pharmacy said it is aware of a “growing shortage” of over-the-counter pain relievers for children containing acetaminophen, often sold under the brand name Tylenol.

But it said pharmacists are working to ensure Albertans can access needed medication.

“Pharmacies are well positioned to navigate drug shortages for the public and have been doing so extensively over the past several years,” the college said.

“Pharmacy professionals have full authority and expertise to support the public in accessing the medication they need, making use of whatever formats and supply is available. Parents who need to purchase these medications should speak to their pharmacist to see what options are available.”

A recent spike in demand has created supply shortages nationally for children’s Tylenol and Advil (ibuprofen), exacerbating existing problems with short stock.

In a statement to The Canadian Press, Tylenol manufacturer Johnson and Johnson said the company continues “to experience increased consumer-driven demand with certain products and markets. We are taking all possible measures to ensure product availability.”

In Ali Zgheib’s southeast Calgary pharmacy, the stock of children’s cold and flu medicine had been picked over, leaving empty shelves behind. Only a few generic bottles of acetaminophen remained.

“It’s a concern. Tylenol is very important for fever and pain, especially with the flu season coming,” said Zgheib, co-owner of Pharmacy Care in Forest Lawn.

“Parents are coming looking for Tylenol and they can’t find it. They’re trying different pharmacies, but the situation is the same everywhere.”

Zgheib said he’s been told by suppliers that availability is expected to improve Aug. 26, but that timeline is subject to change.

In a statement to Postmedia, Alberta Health spokesman Mark Feldbusch said this isn’t the first time in recent years pharmacies in Alberta and across Canada have contended with shortages of children’s medicine.

He said the Alberta Health Services in-patient pharmacy is not currently seeing a shortage in either acetaminophen or ibuprofen liquid, meaning Alberta hospitals aren’t at risk of running out of the medicine.

“We will be closely monitoring the supply of these items, as we do with all drug shortages,” Feldbusch said.

“We are not yet aware if there are any allocation plans from the product manufacturers. However, we encourage retailers to reach out to their suppliers to inquire about the potential for increased production.”

—With files from The Canadian Press

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