Tripledemic Tests OTC Med Pipeline

Flu, RSV & Covid worries are driving demand for children’s pain & fever reducers as well as drug stores putting a limit on how many OTC items can be purchased at a time. Can we be civilized this time around?

With the “triple-demic” resulting in a surge in pediatric cases of RSV, influenza and Covid 19, the WSJ reports, “parents are struggling to find over-the-counter fever reducers such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) as well as amoxicillin, an antibiotic prescribed to treat common childhood ailments such as ear or upper respiratory infections.” Sales of children’s OTC medication, in fact, are up 80% compared with the same 4-week period last year, says market-research firm IRI. Apparently, the rush to “stock up” has been so great and threatening to cause significant if artificial shortages, both CVS & Walgreens have announced they are imposing a purchase limit on children’s cold and flu medicines.

No cause for panic yet, the WSJ assures, as the manufacturers are promising to ramp up production and speed up delivery times to its vendors. But, all of us can make sure every one of our neighbors has the meds needed when the time comes, if it comes, simply by not over-buying now.

Davd Soul