Ireland has been suffering a paracetamol shortage as cases of Covid-19 and the winter flu in the country soared over the festive and new year period.
The revelation was made by Health Minister Stephen Donnelly after his department received notification of a supply issue from the Health Products Regulatory Authority.
It is understood the shortage impacted some prescription paracetamol products.
Read More: Irish people complain of ‘worst ever’ winter bug sweeping country that feels like Covid but isn’t
Two suppliers affected have stated that resupply will be sometime in January 2023.
However, there are other prescription paracetamol suppliers with some stock available on the shelves.
Paracetamol is one of the medicines used most often in Ireland and especially for the flu, aches and pain.
But Mr Donnelly pointed out that there are multiple forms of the drug with different strengths and brands available from various sources.
He said: "In the event that there are some supply issues for individual medicines, alternative options such as alternative strengths and brands, generic medicines will usually be available to ensure continuity of treatment.
"In some cases where the medicine initially prescribed for the patient is unavailable, patients may be switched to a suitable therapeutic alternative following appropriate consultation with a healthcare professional."
The Health Minister said medicine shortages have been increasingly prevalent worldwide over the past decade. The causes of such shortages are multifactorial including shortage of raw materials, manufacturing difficulties and industry consolidations.
He stated: "Medicine shortages can originate at any point in the supply chain. They can involve and impact many stakeholders in different ways as the supply models and clinical use of therapies can vary across national health systems.
"Management of medicines shortages necessitates a multi-faceted, multi stakeholder response to ensure patient safety , continuity of care and protection of public health.
"Patients or their carers who have any concerns in relation to temporary alternative products provided because of medical shortages are advised to speak with their pharmacist or other healthcare [professionals] involved in their care."
Mr Donnelly was responding to a number of written Dail questions on the shortage of medicines.
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