A shortage of children’s painkillers has been affecting parents across the country, including here in Weyburn. 

While many stores are out of painkillers for children, supplies are now running low for regular painkillers as well.  

Local pharmacist at Weyburn Pharmasave, Brooklyn Tomochko said the shortage stems from the lack of ingredients required to make the drugs.  

“There's a shortage on both the liquid and chewable Tylenol and Advil, as well as the larger bottles that we would supply,” Tomochko said. “We're not even able to purchase those larger bottles right now and we kind of are getting whatever supply they will get us.”   

She anticipates the supply to be closer to normal by mid-autumn. 

“In the meantime, we are limiting purchases to a bottle per family just to ensure there is enough for everyone to go around,” she said. “They are resuming production, but because of when there was a shortage and the increased demand, it's just hard to get the shelves stocked until they can catch up with that increased demand.”   

There are some options parents can take if they need to break their child’s fever. 

“We do have a limited supply of Tylenol suppositories for children, but I think it's always the last alternative, parents will hate to have to give their child a suppository,” Tomochko said. “If someone comes to us, sometimes we can use the adult dosage forms and we could split the pills, crush them, they could put it in applesauce, but of course, it is important for them to just speak with us because they need to get the proper dosage based on the child’s weight.” 

She talked about some non-drug treatments for fever that aren’t too high. 

“Drinking plenty of fluids because we will lose water when we sweat and we'll have heat loss with that fever, getting lots of rest is always a good idea when you're not feeling 100 percent, staying as cool as possible, not being in overheated environments, wearing light clothing so you're not overheated, eating popsicles, and taking lukewarm baths.”   

She added there are always options available, and parents can always stop by with questions. 

Low supply at the pharmacy