Supply shortages are leaving pharmacy shelves bare. (Photo Courtesy Meghan Cobb)

By Meghan Cobb

‘I’m hoping it’s temporary’: no end in sight for medication shortages

Jul 4, 2022 | 1:36 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – Increased demand, decreased production, a lack of raw materials and shipping problems are leading to shortages in both prescription and over-the-counter medications.

Pharmacies are struggling to keep products on the shelves and make sure patients are stocked with prescriptions.

Greg Bueckert, chief pharmacist with Greg’s Remedy Pharmacy, says shortages like this aren’t uncommon.

“Anything that’s manufactured overseas is the big problem,” says Bueckert. “Domestic production is usually fairly stable, and these things do tend to correct themselves.”

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Products like Advil and Tylenol for children are especially difficult to come by these days because of the shortage. Bueckert says parents looking for something to give their sick child can use a modified dose of the adult product.

“I would recommend speaking to a pharmacist or pharmacy tech that can work out the dosages because it goes on a weight basis,” says Bueckert. “That’s the only around it, to go that route.”

In Alberta, pharmacists have prescribing powers which means they can make substitutions to prescriptions. When there is no stock available, pharmacists can adapt the medication for similar products with different molecules that provide the same result. It’s an option Buekcert says is needed to provide some flexibility when there is no supply.

“Most drug stores will lend between stores if it’s prescription, especially if it’s important,” says Bueckert. “Some drugs are just not available so we’ve been able to make adaptations that have the same result, in most cases we can make do.”

Bueckert says pharmacists are well trained to make those adaptations when necessary. They are also able to renew prescriptions for people who aren’t able to get to see a physician, making sure patients have continued care.

Bueckert says while he is unsure when the shortage will end, he believes it is just a matter of time.

“I think things are going to get better,” says Bueckert. “Supply lines are getting straightened out. A shock to the system takes time to work out, but it will. We always carry on.”