Pharmacies across Canada are experiencing a shortage of popular over-the-counter medication because of a voluntary recall across the border.
Pharmaceutical company Novartis Consumer Health Inc. voluntarily recalled several products as a precautionary measure after it came to their attention that some packages contained stray tablets that were either chipped or broken.
As a result, they suspended operations at a plant in Lincoln, Neb.
“The voluntary recall in the U.S. was not based upon safety concerns in relation to the recalled products,” Novartis said in an email to CP24. “NCH is conducting maintenance and improvements at its manufacturing site, which also supplies Canada, to ensure our products meet the highest quality standards.”
Canadian Pharmacies have had to put up notices on empty shelves warning customers about a lack of supply of Benefibre, Buckley’s, Excedrin, Maalox, NeoCitran, Otrivin, Triaminic and Slow Fe.
The work stoppage is also affecting the supply of some animal health products.
The company says it is working with a third-party manufacturer to try and produce more products to meet customer demands.
“We are working as quickly as we can to return these products back on to store shelves,” Novartis said in the emailed statement. “We appreciate the patience and loyalty of our consumers and retail partners, and sincerely apologize for any inconvenience the absence of these products has caused.”
Officials with Shoppers Drug Mart, a major pharmaceutical retailer across Canada, said the company is working with other suppliers to provide their customers with alternatives, including their in-house Life Brand medical products.
