The surge in flu and Covid-19 infections this month, together with elevated levels of pediatric respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections, has resulted in an increased demand for over-the-counter cold and flu medications for children. The Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration said his agency is working with manufacturers to improve supply, but the present demand is unprecedented.
“We’re appealing to people not to buy greater than they need, because there is enough for the disease. Simply, the moment it is shipped, it would be bought. And if individuals are buying greater than they need and everybody is doing it, then individuals who need these products won’t give you the option to get them,” FDA Commissioner Dr. Robert Califf told CNBC.
The demand has prompted a few of the country’s largest pharmacy chains to reduce on purchases to ensure there is enough supply for parents in need. This week CVS Health began limiting purchases to two over-the-counter painkillers and antipyretics for children in stores and online. Walgreens and Ritual aid have limited purchases of certain items online but not in stores. A Walmart spokesperson told CNBC that there aren’t any purchase limits for pediatric pain and fever products.
Johnson & Johnsoncertainly one of the country’s largest manufacturers of painkillers for children, said it has increased production across the clock to meet unprecedented demand and is working with retailers to increase supply in areas where demand is higher.
“While products could also be less available in some stores, we’re not experiencing widespread shortages of Tylenol for Kids or Motrin for Kids,” a J&J spokesperson said in a press release. “We recognize that this may be difficult for parents and carers, and we’re doing every thing we are able to to ensure people have access to the products they need.”
On Wednesday, the Biden administration said it might release doses of the prescription antiviral drug Tamiflu from the country’s stockpile to help maintain adequate supplies through the current flu season. Nonetheless, the federal government has no stock of over-the-counter drugs.
The FDA commissioner said his agency is working with manufacturers to make certain supplies of medicine for children reach the areas where they’re most needed. He added that getting more drugs is currently a challenge as other countries within the northern hemisphere are experiencing similar demand.
“The overall supply is greater than ever, however the demand is even higher,” said Califf. “We have not seen a necessity, a requirement nearly as high because it is now, at any time in our recorded history.”