News: Possible cold and flu drug shortage for Canadians
Updated: Oct. 11, 2012
As cold and flu season picks up, consumers may soon find that their go-to medications are nowhere to be found.
As cold and flu season picks up, consumers may soon find that their go-to medications are nowhere to be found.
A Novartis manufacturing plant’responsible for cold and flu medication names like Neocitran, Buckley’s Cough Syrup, Triaminic, Excedrin and Otrivin’remains closed for "maintenance and improvements," which has led to a supply shortage in both Canada and the U.S.
Several products were voluntarily recalled last January "because the products may potentially have contained stray tablets or broken or chipped tablets," the company said in a statement. The Nebraska plant, which also supplies Canada, was closed at the same time, reports CTV News.
The recalls and closures for maintenance were the result of last year’s FDA inspections which found quality-control problems at the plant’s Nebraska location.
In the event of a drug shortage, how will you stay well during cold and flu season?
Related:
‘ 3 steps to waging war on a cold
‘ 5 ways to fight the flu with food
‘ How not to get sick this winter
