Meggan's blog about the current shortage of pain reducing medication for children

Parents worry about the shortage

Hi people! My name is Meggan and I will write about an interesting article I read on the CBC News website.

fever-medication-children-babies-1.6604259 

Within the last few months, pharmacies have been running out of kids medication. 

Some parents are worrying, thinking it is the only option to relieve their children of the pain they feel as the flu season is starting. Mostly, the acetaminophen and ibuprofen for little ones disappeared from the shelves of some stores. By these types of medication, we mean liquid Tylenol or Advil and chewable tablets. Professionals are trying to reassure anxious parents and tell them the viruses usually go away on their own. Also, backup options exist.

In my opinion, parents have a reason to worry about their children. They must think that if they see that their child is in pain, this kind of medicine is the only remedy so that he can rest and fully recover from the flu. It is hard to see young children cry and get frustrated because they feel sick and do not know how to express themselves yet. Pharmacies need to educate their customers about support options throughout the year to avoid anxiety during cold and flu season. Before reading this article, I did not know pharmacists could match adult rectal suppositories and fever-reducing medications to children. Many pharmacists offer to make children's medications themselves. They first crush acetaminophen with a mortar and pestle, then add liquid to make a suspension, and finally add flavourings. I think it is useful for parents to know these options. I hope the information spreads enough to discourage some parents from stockpiling medication at home, because that would only add to the hysteria.

After reading the article, do you know why the compounded product can't be stockpiled?