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.

[MidsomerBurgers]

Purposely checked in Morrisons this morning and no cheap paracetamol or Brufen. Only the expensive branded ones.


On the plus side, got my car valeted

[squishee]

My DM said the same recently.

[MyNameIsArthur]

Lidl sell them at 25p for a packet of 16

[3luckystars]

There was loads in Tesco here today.

[doadeer]

Can't you just buy it online for cheap if you need a lot?

[Socksontheradiator]

Plenty in my tesco today as well :)

[stucknoue]

If you go to the pharmacy counter in the supermarket you can buy bigger quantities

[stucknoue]

But I would point out that's there's always times when certain things are hard to get, fruit flavoured anti acids were missing for weeks at one point, bandages were out of stock in every supermarket a few months before that (bloody dog had hurt himself). I've stocked up on my otc meds (cheaper than on prescription) because it's manufactured in Germany, I have 9 months supply currently. Though I do wish they would sort out the emmental cheese shortage, there was none last February in any supermarket, I needed to make fondue first world problem!

[BlackeyedGruesome]

Plenty in Asda today.

[bellinisurge]

"If you go to the pharmacy counter in the supermarket you can buy bigger quantities"
Don't think so.

[EleanorReally]

None in my local Aldi

[EleanorReally]

you can't buy more online, not via asda at least, they are restricted.

[Justaboutdone]

I did manage to get some Paracetamol in Tesco not very limited supplies and most of the selfs empty. I could only get capsules and not the tablets i normally by.

I did get some Dioralyte. I never noticed if they had own brand stuff - I suspect not as I usually go for the cheaper option.

[Justaboutdone]

My spelling is woeful - shelves not selfs.

[Xenia]

We use a packet every ten years . I don't take any pills. Works for us.

[Chista]

Plenty in my local shops. Havent seen a reduction on the shelves.

[LifeBeginsNow]

I was using a packet every couple of days before my operation (thankfully the op has helped and I'm down to a couple of pills a day).

Whenever I went to the supermarket or stopped at the shop I stocked up as sometimes it felt like a losing battle trying to keep up. The shelves have frequently been empty but I started going to the pharmacy and asking for the big packs. I managed to get two packs per time (although a couple of times they were a bit hesitant).

I'm not sure how I'd cope without so this does worry me.

[Franklymydearidontgiveadam]

You may of just gone on a day before delivery.

[ChardonnaysPrettySister]

PLEASE CALM DOWN EVERYONE. EVERYTHING WILL BE OK

Shouting really helps strength your point here.

[LauraKsWhiteCoat]

We use a packet every ten years . I don't take any pills. Works for us

Good for you!

[stucknoue]

Was in Tesco's today, full shelves. Guessing it just distribution not supplied

[InfiniteSheldon]

Ask all your friends family and neighbours to buy you 2 packets with their next 4 shops and youll be fine, contributing to a pointless panic buying spree but your need is great. We have a good stockpile of all common medicines and use it in date rotation when needed.

[Waggily]

I don’t know why your getting such a hard time OP. I’ve noticed a shortage of paracetamol too over the past couple of months. In one week Morrisons and Wilkos had none and other supermarkets had very low stock. I was surprised by this and have been keeping an eye out and quite often shelves are empty. Maybe we live in the same area.

[LauraKsWhiteCoat]

Thanks @Waggily I genuinely have seen a shortage over the last few months at my local Tescos. I don't think me buying 2 packets every time I shop (maybe once a week, if that) is contributing to that!

[3luckystars]

Well I have bought calpol and paracetamol to have spare, but there was loads on the shelf yesterday.