As the winter season peaks, illnesses, especially in children, are on the rise. Across the United States, cases of the common cold, seasonal flu, and COVID-19 are increasing, causing discomfort for many. Consequently, the sales of over-the-counter cold medications, particularly fever and pain relievers, have surged to the point where pharmacies are facing challenges in meeting the demand.
To address this issue, both CVS and Walgreens have decided to restrict the quantity of children’s pain and fever medications that customers can purchase in a single transaction for an unspecified period. Walgreens has set a limit of six items for online orders, while CVS is capping both online and in-store purchases at just two items.
“Due to heightened demand and various supply chain disruptions, over-the-counter pediatric fever-reducing products are facing constraints nationwide,” explained Walgreens in a statement. The restriction was implemented “to help ensure availability and prevent excessive buying.”
“Although supplies of these products are being restocked as swiftly as possible, there is not a widespread shortage in the US. Nevertheless, given the unprecedented demand for children’s pain and fever medications due to the early and severe flu season (in addition to RSV and COVID cases), we understand why some retailers have opted to impose purchase limits,” stated the Consumer Healthcare Products Association.
“While our member companies are operating manufacturing facilities around the clock to meet the demand, we urge consumers to purchase only what they require so that other families can also access the medicines they need.”
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