At the moment, there is a shortage of acetaminophen and ibuprofen products, commonly known as Children’s Tylenol and Advil across Canada. Owing to an early rise in viral illnesses over the spring and summer of 2022, cold and flu has come sooner than expected affecting infants and children with respiratory issues thus leaving parents across the nation concerned with how to treat their young ones.

Who is impacted?

Manufacturers, hospitals, provinces and territories and health-related associations, such as: Canadian Pediatric Society and Canadian Pharmacists Association are among many institutions that are directly affected by the shortage of the medications.

Hospitals in Canada have seen increased influx of children to the ER as partners cannot find acetaminophen and ibuprofen, brand name Tylenol and Advil, at stores and pharmacies. The inflow of respiratory illness cases to the hospitals has made ERs work at their full capacity and yet not been able to fulfill the demand thus delaying the caregiving of much severe emergency cases while creating backlogs in pediatric care.

What’s responsible for the shortage? As per officials, the shortage has risen due to unprecedented demand of the same. Leading families to go cross border to find the supplies they need for their sick littles

Since these medications are available over-the-counter and parents do not require prescriptions for purchases, Food, Health & Consumer Products Industry of Canada has been adversely obstructed by the shortages impacting the businesses.

What should you Do and Not Do?

Officials have approved significant imports of acetaminophen and ibuprofen from Australia and United States in an attempt to curb the situation as well as working with manufactures and suppliers to increase local produce and supply of the same. Health Canada is recommending parents to not overstock the medications so that access to masses amidst the shortage can be ensured.

Health officials are also refraining people from overdosing their children. “Do not use adult fever and pain medications on children under 12 years of age without consulting a health care professional. There is a serious risk of overdosing, especially when administering acetaminophen, and a risk of liver injury in infants and children.” It says.

Canadian Pharmacists Association has also developed information for families and caregivers on children’s fever and pain medication.

Drug Store with Children’s Tylenol and Advil Shortage and caution on purchases