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Lemsip and Day Nurse are some of the medicines out of stock in Jersey, as local pharmacies struggle to keep up with demand for basic cough and cold medicines, however the Chief Pharmacist in Guernsey says it’s not an issue that has “arisen recently” here.
Simon Wall – an ambassador for the Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain in Jersey and a pharmacist at Boots – said that the shortages are due to problems with manufacturers, as well as delayed ferries and UK supply chain issues.
He explained that other factors such as the Suez Canal blockage, the war in Ukraine, the scarlet fever outbreak during the winter, and the recall of pholcodine-based medicines all impact the supply chain.
Guernsey’s Chief Pharmacist, Teena Bhogal, said “there have been some supply issues locally with products used for coughs and colds. This is not an issue that has arisen recently and I would encourage people to speak to pharmacy staff if they cannot find the specific brand or product they are looking for, as staff will be able to advise on alternatives that are available”.
Ms Bhogal said its important to note that medicines used for coughs and colds are designed to provide symptomatic relief, rather than to treat the underlying virus.
“So, increasing fluid intake alongside using paracetamol, if required is an effective option we would advise people to follow.”
These difficulties obtaining medicines – seen mainly in Jersey - mirror shortages in the UK, which have been reported since October. These were blamed initially on delivery drivers, but in January the UK-based Association of Independent Multiple Pharmacies related the issue to supply chains and to a lack of planning from the UK government.
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