Reduce in painkillers due to COVID-19

Given the large rise in demand for medication, due to the coronavirus pandemic, pharmaceutical wholesalers will not rule out supply problems early. LloydsPharmacy has outlined that the demand for over-the-counter painkillers is very unusual, as it has never seen this level of demand before.

McKesson’s statement said: “We are doing everything we can to ensure we provide a consistent supply of medicines. This includes sourcing from multiple providers and putting commitments in place with manufacturers to secure supply.”

Phoenix’s spokesperson stated: “We have put in place some order restrictions for certain products to ensure equitable supply across the UK, but again emphasise that customers should only purchase according to need. Prices for some medicines have increased, but this is beyond the control of medicine distributors like Phoenix”.

Alliance Healthcare’s spokesperson stated: “There has been a significant increase in the demand for products such as paracetamol and ibuprofen over the last few weeks, which has caused some supply constraints.”

Director of operations and support at the Pharmaceutical Services Negotiation Committee (PSNC), Gordon Hockey, stated: “The PSNC is keeping a close eye on the generic medicines, including paracetamol affected by recent price hikes and is making applications to the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) for price concessions in the usual way. The PSNC has also commenced discussions with the DHSC on protection for pharmacies against sudden price rises and launched the Community Pharmacy COVID-19 forum, providing an opportunity for information sharing with other pharmacy and supply chain bodies, DHSC and NHS England and NHS Improvement.”