Vancouver parents anxious, relieved for Tylenol and Advil shipment

A big shipment of Tylenol and Advil is finally expected to arrive next week and for some Vancouver parents, the medication could not come sooner.

Days before the stock is set to arrive, pharmacies are still having to deal with anxious parents requesting generic drugs to relieve their kids’ cold and flu symptoms.

Co-owner and pharmacist of Kerrisdale Pharmacy, Colin Holyk, says it’s something he’s been hearing a lot lately.

“I’d say we get 15-20 patients asking about it all the time. In the last couple weeks, it’s getting a bit more frantic – parents are getting more desperate to get the product,” he told CityNews.

Holyk says his pharmacy has been experiencing a shortage for the past three months.

To compensate for the shortfall, Kerrisdale Pharmacy started to compound ibuprofen and acetaminophen, but it still lacked the effectiveness of over-the-counter pills or liquids.

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“The problem with that is it really only has a 14-day use-by date, the formulas that we use,” Holyk said. “So we can provide something acutely which is great, but if patients want to stock up, that’s not a solution.”

The news of the shipment comes as a big relief to many Vancouver parents.

“I’ve heard of it, and luckily my sister lives in the [United] States so I’ve been able to stock up when I need it. Fortunately, my kids haven’t been sick enough that we’ve needed it a lot, but it’s definitely scary,” one concerned parent told CityNews.

“I’m excited for parents who were in need because obviously, I’d be super upset if my son were sick and I had to go get some painkillers and there weren’t any available,” said another.

The direness of the situation has had parents wondering if they can break off half their adult Advil or Tylenol to give to their kids.

Holyk, however, advises against it as there are concerns about giving the right dose based on the child’s age and weight, and if the child would be able to handle the taste.

“They’re horrible-tasting drugs. They’re extremely bitter, and once that’s in a child’s mouth, if it’s not prepared correctly, they’re probably not going to take it,” he said.

Health Canada appeals to Canadians to buy only the amount of children’s Tylenol or Advil they need to ensure that all sick children have access.