Despite there not being a shortage of prescription medicines, there has been an increase in demand for other products, says Pharmacists.
Pharmacists and other pharmacy workers have urged the British public only to buy medicines that they need in order to avoid “creating difficulties” for other members of the public after panic buying has accompanied the coronavirus pandemic across the UK.
There is no particular shortage of prescription medicines, although there has been a dramatic increase in demand for other types of pharmacy products, such as hand sanitisers, paracetamol and thermometers.
Pharmacy professionals are working under “significant pressure” during the coronavirus crisis, says the The chief executive of the General Pharmaceutical Council.
Mark Lyonette, chief executive of the National Pharmacy Association (NPA), has said that they are working with suppliers in order to maintain a consistent supply of medication.
He went on to say:
“In most cases, pharmacies are currently able to meet need in a timely fashion, even if that means limiting the quantity of certain medicines sold to each customer,” Mr Lyonette said.
“Certain products, for example, hand sanitisers, paracetamol and thermometers, are only intermittently available.
“Please only buy the medicines you need now for you and your family; this will help to avoid creating difficulties for others, so that everyone in your community gets the medicines they need.”
He also said that pharmacies are going to stop issuing early prescriptions, to reduce stockpiling of medications, while online pharmacies in particular have began to start limiting orders as they struggle to cope with an “unprecedented” demand for their products.
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