Premier Danielle Smith said the first of three shipments of an imported brand of children's pain and fever medication has arrived in Alberta, March 20, 2023. (Photo: Government of Alberta)

By David Opinko

Imported children’s pain medication arrives in Alberta

Mar 20, 2023 | 4:28 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – The Government of Alberta said families across the province will now have more supplies of children’s pain and fever medication.

According to a release from the province, the first of three shipments of Parol branded acetaminophen has arrived and is being distributed to community pharmacies across the province.

For the last several months, there has been a shortage of children’s pain and fever medication, prompting the province to look elsewhere for supplies.

The government announced a deal with Atabay Pharmaceuticals, based in Türkiye, in December 2022. The company, along with Fine Chemicals, is set to send five million doses to Alberta.

Premier Danielle Smith said this should provide some much-needed relief to families.

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“When a young child is sick, it can be difficult and stressful for parents and families, and that’s one of the reasons we acted so quickly to procure this medicine,” said Smith. “This pain and fever medicine is being sent to pharmacies across the province so families can purchase it, and I’m so pleased Alberta parents and caregivers do not need to wait any longer.”

The province said in a news release that the first 750,000 bottles that are intended for pharmacies were delivered to Alberta on March 2, 2023, and were required under federal regulations to be kept in quarantine for testing before they could be delivered to pharmacies.

250,000 bottles arrived in the province on January 18, 2023, but were sent exclusively to hospitals.

Alberta Blue Cross said in a separate statement that the bottles of Parol must be kept behind the counter for storage and sale in pharmacies. This is because Parol contains a different medicated concentration than similar medications that are typically sold in the province.

Pharmacists, according to Alberta Blue Cross, will be expected to provide counselling and education to parents and caregivers on the safe usage of Parol.

“Parol is a 24 mg/ml oral suspension, which comes in a 150 ml size child-resistant glass bottle with a graduated spoon and in an orange flavor. It is important to know that this differs from the Canadian-authorized product which comes in a concentration of 32 mg/ml and uses a different dosing device,” said Alberta Blue Cross in a statement.

Health Canada has also approved the province’s plan to import 500,000 bottles of a different brand of children’s ibuprofen, Pedifen, for sale by pharmacies and use in hospitals. The shipment of Pedifen arrived in Alberta on March 16, 2023.

Alberta Pharmacists Association CEO Margaret Wing said, “For the last several months, pharmacists have used their expertise and enhanced scope of practice to help Albertans manage through multiple drug shortages, including the shortage of children’s fever and pain medication, by prescribing and compounding medication.”

“Today’s announcement allows pharmacists and parents to be confident there will be consistent supply in the coming months to support sick children in their local communities,” Wing adds.

The Government of Alberta said it spent approximately $14 per bottle on the two brands of children’s medication. They will be provided to pharmacies at a wholesale cost of $7 to $9 per bottle. The manufacture suggested retail price is $11.99 per bottle.

READ MORE: Alberta secures five million bottles of children’s pain medication