OVER-THE-COUNTER medication such as cough mixtures, lozenges and paracetamol are in short supply nationwide, the Malaysian Pharmacists Society said.

Amrahi Buang, president of the MPS, said most places would only see shelves stocked again next month.

“I have received data from all states and there is a shortage of cough syrup in most places,” Amrahi told The Malaysian Insight.

“This could be due to home quarantine cases (for Covid-19) or people are stocking up.”

A majority of Covid-19 cases being reported in the country involve those in categories 1 and 2.

Most of these individuals go into home quarantine unless they are high-risk individuals or are elderly.

The Health Ministry said the most common symptoms for those in categories 1 and 2 are sore throat, fever, cough and running nose.

In Kuala Lumpur, cough syrups are out of stock, Amrahi said.

“There is no issue with Vitamin C, but it is the same in Selangor, the majority of cough syrups are gone, Difflam and Panadol too.”

Difflam is a brand of lozenge, while the active ingredient in Panadol is paracetamol.

Panadol has been in short supply since mid-February.

Amrahi said this was due to increased purchases for reducing side effects such as fever, joint pain and headaches after receiving booster dose injections, the association’s members.

The Covid-19 Omicron variant has increased the need for paracetamol, and apparently, it is that one brand that faces a shortage, he said.

In Kedah, pharmacies also report a shortage of throat sprays, Difflam and cough syrups.

“Paracetamol brands are coming in slowly. (We) were told by most companies that the estimated arrival is mid-April.”

In Terengganu, pharmacies are dealing supply shortages by finding other substitutes.

“Many of the over-the-counter cough syrups, lozenges and paracetamol preparations are finished. 

“It’s a question of finding appropriate substitutes, which is not a problem with any range of products.

“It is some controlled medicines that are the problem.”

In east Malaysia, Sabah and Sarawak pharmacies reported a shortage of cough medics and paracetamol too, Amrahi said.

“There is no supplement shortage in Sabah, but for cough medicine and paracetamol, yes.

“Panadol optizorb is back on the market in limited numbers. Paracetamol suspension is low in stock for now.

“Many of the over-the-counter cough and cold syrup were out of stock in February. Now also 50% back in the market in limited quantities.”

Meanwhile in Sarawak, paracetamol supply is slowly coming into the market while generic paracetamol is still available, Amrahi said. – March 25, 2022.