Health Canada announced On Monday, steps were taken to import children’s fever and pain relievers, specifically ibuprofen (Advil) and acetaminophen (Tylenol), from abroad to alleviate shortages that have affected Canada for months. I am teaching.
A spokeswoman for Health Canada could not provide the Epoch Times with which countries the drug is being shipped from, the exact timeframe or expected shipments, but the government said “in the coming weeks,” It promised to “increase the available supply.” to consumers to deal with pressing situations. ”
“Health Canada recognizes that drug shortages can have a significant impact on patients and health care professionals and is committed to doing its part to mitigate the impact should it occur. ‘, the government said.
government Attribution It warned Canadians against shortages and hoarding to “unprecedented demand.”
“At this time, Canadians should only buy what they need so that other parents and caregivers have access to medicines so they can meet the needs of their sick children.”
shortage of antibiotics
Health Canada said there are also shortages of common antibiotics prescribed to children for pneumonia, bronchitis, ear infections, etc. Sanis Health Inc., Apotex Inc., GlaxoSmithKline Inc. , and Teva Canada Limited, report amoxicillin shortages.
Both Sanis Health and GSK have attributed the shortage to increased demand, while Apotex and Teva Canada have attributed the shortage to drug manufacturing disruptions.
Health Canada said there are eight other companies manufacturing amoxicillin in Canada. south of the border, report Short supply of common antibiotics.
Health Canada said it conducts careful scrutiny before determining foreign batches of medicines are safe and effective. Before a product hits the shelves, it must be labeled in both English and French. “This work is being carried out in parallel with obtaining additional foreign supplies,” the government said.
Health Canada recently approved “exceptional imports” of pediatric fever and pain relievers from the United States and Australia to supply hospitals full of sick children infected with respiratory syncytial virus. We have started distributing ibuprofen.
Health Canada, 7 October Said The government has “asked several manufacturers, including Johnson & Johnson, Hareon and PharmaScience, to address this shortage so parents and caregivers can get the drugs they need to care for their children.” We reiterate the urgent need to work together to find an immediate solution to
In Canada, pharmaceutical companies are required to report all actual and anticipated drug shortages and discontinuations. www.drugshortagescanada.ca within the specified time frame.
Canadian Press contributed to this report.
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Marnie Cathcart is a reporter based in Edmonton.