Medicine shortage could continue well into 2023

Honolulu (KHON2) — Not a great time to catch a cold.

Medicines have become harder to find in stores, and some of the largest U.S. pharmacies have capped how much they can buy at one time. I warn you there is.

China’s zero COVID strategy is over. And now, the virus has spread throughout countries where raw materials for medicines such as acetaminophen and the antibiotic amoxicillin are produced, further straining the supply chains of some important common medicines.

“This is a real challenge as these are global shortages. or are actually manufactured,” said Hilton Laysel, president and CEO of the Hawaii Health Care Association.

In some cases, shortages may vary from store to store, or even from community to community. But now there is no end in sight.

“Unfortunately, this drug shortage indicates that it is likely to continue until 2023,” said Reathel.

It has hit children’s fever reducers the hardest, with distribution all over the country.CVS, which owns Longs Drugs, said: [2] Product limits for all children’s pain relief products at all CVS pharmacy locations and at cvs.com. We are committed to meeting the needs of our customers and work with our suppliers to ensure continued access to these items. ”

According to the Associated Press, Walgreen’s limits its fever reducers for children, allowing no more than six at a time for online orders.

“If people know there is a shortage or think there will be a shortage, they may go out and need one bottle. So that’s a problem,’ said Raethel.

There are other ways to make yourself and Keiki feel better.

“Apply classic Vicks Vapor to your chest and back, or to your Vicks plug-in or Vicks vaporizer,” said pediatrician Dr. Teresa Wee.

Also, under the guidance of a doctor or pharmacist, the tablets can be creatively used to treat children.

“If you can’t get a liquid version, you can ask your doctor or pharmacist. For example, you can get a tablet version or a capsule version. You can mix it with applesauce, along with your child. We should be very concerned about ,” said Raethel.

He added that accelerated production of many of the drugs in short supply has proven difficult.

“Unfortunately, there is a lot of competition among different manufacturers for different types of drugs, and many of these drugs that are in short supply are low-cost drugs. We don’t necessarily have the same incentives to produce drugs for people,” Laysel said.