Paracetamol supply issue only involves one brand

 

-NSTP file pic, for illustration purpose only.

KUALA LUMPUR: Paracetamol, a drug commonly used to relieve fever and headache, is still available.

Malaysian Pharmacists Society (MPS) president Amrahi Buang said the issue of a supply shortage only involved one brand that produces the drug.

He said other brands of the drug and the generic form of paracetamol could still be found on the shelves of pharmacies and shops.

Omicron has increased the need for paracetamol, and apparently, it is that one brand that faces a shortage.

"This may be due to manufacturing issues such as active pharmaceutical ingredients (API), non-API and packaging; distribution issues in authorised suppliers or logistics across the supply chain," he told the New Straits Times when contacted today.

It was reported yesterday that paracetamol was in short supply and "relatively" hard to obtain at pharmacies and convenience stores in several states.

Meanwhile, Amrahi said those who are allergic with paracetamol could ask community pharmacies for substitutes depending on types of symptoms, for example, fever, body pain or others.

"Inform community pharmacists of any allergies. Patients can also ask pharmacists for alternatives or complementary medicines," he said. - NST