Pharmacists ‘running low on supplies of cold and flu medicines amid huge demand’

Pharmacists are running out of stocks of the most common cold and flu medicines,  amid a huge demand for over-the-counter remedies. 

As cases of cold and flu continue to rise, those who are unable to see their GPs are turning to shop-bought treatments which has seen a spike in demand, according to an expert.

The ‘higher demand’ has seen medicines like Lemsip and Day and Night Nurse, as well as other own-brand cold and flu treatments selling out, with pharmacists taking pictures of depleted shelves.

The head of the Association of Independent Multiple Pharmacies, Dr Leyla Hannbeck told MailOnline the problem was ‘widespread’ and not isolated to just one product.

People have been taking picture of depleted shelves as cold and flu medicine stocks run low

Pharmacists have reported low stocks of some over-the-counter cold and flu medicines

Describing the situation as a ‘nightmare at the moment’, she said: ‘Pharmacists can’t get hold of some of the most common cold and flu medicines, and are sending me pictures of how empty shelves are.

‘People cannot get GP appointments and are told to look after themselves not to put pressure on the NHS.

‘With cases of cold and flu being higher this season, this has led to many people buying over the counter medicines and has led to higher demand.’

Dr Hannbeck said a range of products including Lemsip, Day and Night Nurse and own-brand cold and flu treatments were ‘difficult to get hold of’.

Customers — some wearing face masks — queue outside a Boots store in west London yesterday as they waited for it to open amid fears around the ‘twindemic’ of Covid and flu

‘They run out very quickly and it’s very patchy, leading to a situation where we have to tell patients we cannot supply them.

‘The Department for Health (DHSC) and Government are in denial that shortages exist. As long as this is the case we’re going to be seeing this going forward.

‘During the winter period, when so many people are suffering from cold and flu symptoms, as soon as a little bit of demand goes up we’re stuck.’

She continued: ‘It’s not just one brand, it’s a range of products that are unavailable. 

‘But we are keen not to create panic. What we are saying is some of these basic medicines that we should have at this time are unavailable.’

Dr Hannbeck said the issues were being caused by ‘problems and delays with manufacturers’ but further exacerbated by the lack of proper robust plans in place for tackling supply chain concerns. 

Meanwhile, MailOnline visited some Boots stores in London yesterday and found that Lemsip Max sachets are entirely sold out, with just boxes ‘day and night’ tablets left. 

One Boots store worker said: ‘We don’t have any Lemsip powder or our own brand cold and flu sachets at all. Only Beechams.

‘We’ve not had any for two to three weeks. I believe there are supply problems.’ 

Lemsip manufacturer Reckitt said it was ‘doing all we can to minimise the disruption’ as demand for the product was high during the cold and flu season.

A Boots spokesperson said: ‘We have seen higher than usual demand for Lemsip.

‘There is still availability in many of our stores, and although there may be temporary shortages in some, there will normally be suitable alternatives available.

‘If in doubt, customers should speak to their pharmacist for advice on alternatives.’

Meanwhile, scores of social media users have reportedly struggled to find any cold and flu remedies this winter. 

One woman said: ‘Genuine question. Is there a Lemsip shortage? Been to over 8 different shops since before Christmas and the shelves are totally bare.’

Another reported a shortage at the Waitrose store in Worthing, West Sussex, while a third – who spent the Christmas break battling a virus – added: ‘I have been floored with a nasty bug since Christmas Day.

‘Started feeling better yesterday and thankfully just cold like symptoms now. There’s so much of it about. Apparently there’s been a shortage of Lemsip and paracetamol round here because of it!’

While one man made light of the shortage, tweeting: ‘Why is no one discussing the shortage of Lemsip! How am I going to deal with this manflu!?’   

The DHSC and Haleon have been contacted for a comment.