Paracetamol Shortage?

[LauraKsWhiteCoat]

I've been slowly stocking up on essentials for the past few months to cushion my family against a no deal Brexit, and one of my staples is cheap paracetamol. Given that the supermarkets will only allow you to buy two packets at a time for safety reasons, I try to buy some whenever I shop.

Recently the cheapest packets of 16 tablets have gone from 29p to 45p a packet. Last week, my local Tesco had barely any left. The shelf was empty but for a couple of packets of the more expensive brands.

I also noticed that they were out of things like own brand Immodium and Rehydration sachets, which I wanted to take on holiday. It's possible this is just due to high demand from summer holidaymakers, but it did worry me.

Has anyone else noticed a shortage of cheap Paracetamol or other medicines? I'm starting to feel a bit concerned.

Not here but following as I take fairly often

I work in a pharmacy and we ran out yesterday because no stock arrived, very unusual.

Paracetamol along with most other drugs is produced in the uk.

There's no need to worry.

Ok so it's not just my imagination then. Is there anywhere you can bulk buy it? I'm struggling to accumulate enough on my 2 packets per shop limit

Scaremongering

Paracetamol along with most other drugs is produced in the uk.

That's good if accurate. But why has my Tesco put the prices up and run out? You say there's no need to worry, but it has actually happened

There's a shortage because too many idiots keep buying it unnecessarily.

Why do you need so much? It can't be good for you taking large amounts. I can't remember the last time I had to take a painkiller!

Dm buys paracetamol and ibruprofen every other shop. Just in case.

It’s been handy for ya as we know she always has some so we can ask her for some if we run out and no shops are open here (no late night shops/chemists and no Sunday opening here).

@LauraKsWhiteCoat they’ve out the prices up because it’s supply and demand.
Higher the demand, higher the prices until they can maximise their profits without losing customers. When people stop bulk-buying and possibly once the summer is over, prices may well come down again. Still cheap as chips so no need to panic yet

These type of threads are really irresponsible and pure scaremongering.

These type of threads are really irresponsible and pure scaremongering.

I'm not trying to scaremongering. I'm genuinely wondering why my Tesco ran out.

I use a lot for pain, colds, headaches, fever and always take plenty on holiday with me.

I'm pretty sure my purchase of 2 packets per week isn't driving the shortage or price increase

You can only buy two packs without the supervision of a pharmacist.

Asking a question is not scaremongering.

Last time I looked there were painkillers, but I have a buffer of them anyway as when I am I'll I can take a couple of packs before being well enough to go out again.

I'm struggling to accumulate enough on my 2 packets per shop limit

Define 'enough'.

I take painkillers when I am in too much pain to sleep, function or walk without. Fucking hsd.

Define 'enough'.

More than a couple of packets to tide me over if we actually do experience a shortage. I currently have about 4 packets in the house. I had a cold last week and went through a whole pack.

Tesco has also put its prices up on pasta. It happens.

Grey sparkles.
Whoopdedoo for you that you don’t suffer from pain frequently. Some of us couldn’t manage to lead our normal lives without regular use of painkillers. My gran tells me about how much school she missed as a child because of migraines. The only treatment was to wrap her head in vinegar and brown paper. She spent days off lying at home in a darkened room in agony.
I feel so fortunate every time I ward off a migraine that would incapacitate me for several days with a timely dose of painkillers. It means I can work without racking up a sick record and care for my family in stead of them caring for me.

Ps. If you go to a pharmacy you can get bigger packets of paracetamol than a supermarket

Why do you need so much? It can't be good for you taking large amounts. I can't remember the last time I had to take a painkiller!

I'm sure most disabled/sick/chronic pain sufferers will be delighted for you.

I don't take large amounts. I take the recommended dose as and when needed. And Id like to make sure I can continue to do so.

Why do you need so much? It can't be good for you taking large amounts. I can't remember the last time I had to take a painkiller!

The ignorance of the healthy never ceases to amaze me.

The shortage is most probably due to people like yourself buying 2 bloody boxes every time you go shopping. Stockpiling medication prevents others from being able to reach it.

100% @MrFartPants.

These types of threads are starting to wind me up now. Fucking Brexit this & Brexit that.

PLEASE CALM DOWN EVERYONE. EVERYTHING WILL BE OK.

'm pretty sure my purchase of 2 packets per week isn't driving the shortage or price increase

It IS contributing though. You may not be the driving force, but you are still buying extra that you don't need, because 'brexit'

I'm sure lots of people are putting stocks by.

@hadthesnip2 no one is forcing you to read or post.