Gov't sets limits on purchase of paracetamol, flu meds

The government has imposed a sale and purchase limit for paracetamol and other over-the-counter (OTC) flu medicines amid a reported shortage of such drugs alongside rising COVID-19 cases.

In their Joint Memorandum Circular No. 22-01, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and Department of Health (DOH) ordered retailers to limit the sale and for consumers to limit the purchase of paracetamol, phenylephrine hydrochloride, carbocisteine, and chlorphenamine maleate paracetamol.

DTI and DOH imposed the cap “to prevent artificial shortage and price escalation of OTC flu medicines, and strictly ensure the availability of the same until such time that their supplies become stable.”

Below are the purchase caps set by the government:

Retailers are also directed to post notices in conspicuous places within their outlets advising consumers of the quantity of medicines they are allowed to purchase.

Likewise, the DTI and DOH prohibited the online selling of medicines “unless otherwise allowed by the Food and Drug Administration.”

Earlier this week, netizens have raised concerns on social media about their difficulties in purchasing paracetamol brands and anti-flu pills as these were out of stock in drug stores.

The Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Association of the Philippines (PHAP) has said that a temporary shortage of certain paracetamol brands was being experienced in some areas. 

Local pharmaceutical giant Unilab Inc. apologized to its customers over the temporary shortage of some medicine brands in selected drugstores due to "extraordinary demand."

The DTI and DOH warned violators of liability under the Price Act, Consumer Act and other relevant laws, rules, and regulations.

The joint circular was issued on January 10, 2022 and took effect immediately. —KBK, GMA News