Asthma and Paracetamol Shortage is leaving many Australian families worried as panic buying continues to strip pharmacy shelves of essential medicines. Ventolin and children’s paracetamol are now restricted purchases at many local pharmacies, making it harder for parents and carers to access the medications they rely on.
If you’ve been putting off filling a prescription or topping up your medicine cabinet, now is the time to act. This is especially important if someone in your family relies on life-saving medication, such as asthma inhalers or children’s fever relief, which are becoming increasingly difficult to find.
Asthma and Paracetamol Shortage: A Medicine Shortage Is Imminent
Coronavirus (COVID-19) is a condition which largely effects the respiratory system and as a result, Ventolin is flying off pharmacy shelves.
Around 2.7 million Australians (that’s one in nine people) are affected by asthma. And unfortunately panic buying hasn’t stopped at the supermarket checkout. For many, it’s extended to the local chemist. Ventolin, the primary medicine used to relieve asthma is sure to be running low at many chemists, with no immediate relieving stock on hand.
Asthma and Paracetamol Shortage: Sales Restricted Due to COVID-19 Panic
The growing Asthma and Paracetamol Shortage has prompted pharmacies across Australia to introduce purchasing limits as panic buying continues to place pressure on essential medicine supplies. Parents with children suffering from anxiety are the worst affected
Pharmacists are now restricting the sale of Ventolin inhalers, while children’s paracetamol has been moved behind the pharmacy counter in many stores to help prevent stockpiling and ensure families who genuinely need these medications can still access them.
The restrictions were introduced after a surge in demand saw people buying larger quantities than usual in response to growing concerns about the COVID-19 pandemic. Health authorities say the measures are designed to protect vulnerable Australians, including children, older adults and people living with chronic conditions such as asthma.
Deputy Chief Medical Officer Paul Kelly announced the new purchasing restrictions following reports of widespread medication hoarding. He urged Australians to buy only what they need, reminding the public that unnecessary stockpiling can leave others without access to vital medicines.
For parents, the Asthma and Paracetamol Shortage serves as an important reminder to check medicine supplies early and refill essential prescriptions before they become urgent. If you’re unable to find the medication you need, speak with your pharmacist or GP about suitable alternatives rather than purchasing more than your family requires.
“Please do not buy more than you need for anything, whether that’s food and particularly medicines,” he said to reporters in Canberra.
Rolling out across the nation, children’s paracetamol and asthma medication, Ventolin, will now be limited to ONE purchase per person to stop Coronavirus hoarding.
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From all of us here at Mum Central, we’re encouraging everyone to stay calm, be prepared and look out for one another. It’s completely understandable to want to make sure your family has what they need, but please only buy the medicines and supplies you’ll realistically use.
Stockpiling essential items like asthma medication and children’s paracetamol can make it much harder for other families, particularly those with vulnerable children or loved ones, to access the treatment they rely on every day. A little kindness and consideration can go a long way. We’re all in this together, and by looking after each other, we’ll get through it together too.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is causing the Asthma and Paracetamol Shortage?
The Asthma and Paracetamol Shortage has largely been caused by increased demand and panic buying during the COVID-19 pandemic. Many people purchased larger quantities of essential medicines than usual, placing significant pressure on pharmacy supplies across Australia.
2. Why are Ventolin and children’s paracetamol being restricted?
Pharmacies have introduced purchase limits to help manage the Asthma and Paracetamol Shortage and ensure essential medicines remain available for families who need them most. These restrictions help reduce stockpiling and improve access for people living with asthma and other medical conditions.
3. What should I do if I can’t find asthma medication or children’s paracetamol?
If you’re affected by the Asthma and Paracetamol Shortage, speak with your pharmacist as soon as possible. They may be able to suggest an alternative brand, check stock at another pharmacy or advise you to contact your GP for further assistance.
4. Should I stockpile medicines during a shortage?
Health authorities advise against stockpiling medicines during the Asthma and Paracetamol Shortage. Buying only what your family needs helps ensure vulnerable people, including children and those with chronic health conditions, can access essential medication when they need it.
5. How can I stay updated on the Asthma and Paracetamol Shortage?
You can stay informed about the Asthma and Paracetamol Shortage by checking with your local pharmacist, speaking to your GP and following updates from Australia’s Medicine Shortages Information Initiative and other official health authorities for the latest advice on medicine availability.
