Calpol shortage: What parents should ask for instead amid coronavirus panic buying

Calpol is one of a number of items people have been stockpiling in response to coronavirus (COVID-19), and while for many people it’s been annoying to find items out of stock, for others, the shortage of items has triggered great concern. Parents have taken to social media to report their struggle to get hold of Calpol for their children who are currently poorly.

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Calpol released a statement on its website reading: “We understand that the ongoing uncertainty around the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak is extremely concerning for everyone. We urge people to closely monitor the situation and follow the advice provided by health experts and the guidance given by the government and public health authorities.

“We are currently experiencing exceptional demand for Calpol products, and as a result you may notice temporary shortages of some Calpol products in stores. We are working hard to meet this increased demand and make sure Calpol products remain available for everyone who wants them.”

As well as being told by retailers and health officials to only buy what you need, parents are now being reminded that it’s not just branded products are are effective.

Calpol contains paracetamol which offers pain relief, and there are other products available that contain similar ingredients.

A medicines management worker told Manchester Evening News: “Parents should ask pharmacies if they stock a generic equivalent, which will be made by other companies but less expensive for the same volume.

“This strength is not always available in supermarkets and stores but they should ask at the pharmacy.”

She added: “Some people seem to think it needs to be branded products to work effectively but these others are just the same and do exactly the same job. It doesn’t have to be Calpol.

“You’re not going to stop people buying products to have in the house when something like this is happening, but at least this gives people another option when the supermarkets are selling out so fast.”

If you don’t need a bottle urgently, you can order children’s pain relief products online from Superdrug and Boots.

Ibuprofen is another medication used for treating pain, fever and inflammation.

But experts have issued a warning that anti-inflammatory drugs may make coronavirus worse.

French health minister Olivier Vegan, a qualified doctor and neurologist, tweeted on Saturday: “The taking of anti-inflammatories [ibuprofen, cortisone…] could be a factor in aggravating the infection.

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“In case of fever, take paracetamol. If you are already taking anti-inflammatory drugs, ask your doctor’s advice.”

Anti-inflammatory drugs are a known risk for people with infectious illnesses because they can decrease the response of the body’s immune system.

British TV doctor Dr Hilary Jones stated paracetamol is “superior” to ibuprofen in the fight against COVID-19.

Appearing on ITV’s Good Morning Britain on Monday he said: “So this story is flying around.

“Ibuprofen and that groups of drugs are an anti-inflammatory.

Sometimes you want a bit of inflammation to fight the viral infection.

“So, in theory, paracetamol is superior to anti-inflammation.

“But don’t start taking it if you are already taking it.”

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