The reason behind the infamous Panadol shortage

Karachi: A multinational pharmaceutical that produces acetaminophen, Paracetamol, commonly known by its brand name, Panadol, has decided to halt production of the product throughout the country.

Acetaminophen is the safest over-the-counter drug used to treat fever and mild pain symptoms. The drug is abundantly popular throughout the country and very commonly used to treat a mild flu.

According to the company, the cost of manufacturing the product had increased due to the recent inflation and the company had requested an increase in the price of the product in order to cover the costs of manufacturing.

Due to this, the availability of Panadol in the market had decreased. A shortage ensued throughout the country as more counterfeit product entered at more reasonable rates and the original product was being sold in black at three to four times the market rate.

The company had made several attempts to increase the price of Panadol. DRAP (Drug Regulatory Authority Pakistan) had sent a request to the health ministry, in support of the issue, recommending that price be increased atleast Rs. 1 per tablet.

The Federal Cabinet, however, has rejected this suggestion and the company has therefore, decided to cease production of the tablet.

Panadol is in high demand in flood-affected areas throughout the country. Since it is the safest over-the-counter drug, having minimal to zero drug reactions with other medications, Panadol can be easily prescribed for fever and pain-related symptoms of infectious diseases.

The shortage and production cessation will drastically affect the nation’s attempts to improve healthcare situations in flood-affected areas, including Sindh and Balochistan.