With the surge in COVID-19 infections fueled by the Omicron variant came the observed increased demand for paracetamol and other medicines for flu-like symptoms in the country. Posts circulating online provoked Internet users into panic-buying or making unnecessary purchases of such medicines even though they are not sick or not even experiencing any symptoms.

As usual, pharmacies play an essential role in any local response to contain the COVID-19 spike. Community pharmacists not only serve as the first point of contact for those with health-related concerns; they also play a major part in ensuring that appropriate stocks are available in the pharmacy and prevent their overprice.

Most of the medicines in short supply are branded and over-the-counter drugs sold without prescription.

Topping the list is paracetamol, a fever-lowering medicine that can be used to cope with COVID-19 symptoms, or for pain or fever after vaccination.

Resorting to generic versions of paracetamol and flu-related medicines can help us fight the growing threat of shortage. Generic medicines work in the same way as their branded counterparts and provide the same benefits. While a branded drug is named by the company that produces it, generic medicine is named after the active ingredient/s in it.

Generic medicines can be marketed under different brand names but contain the same active ingredient/s as the branded ones. Also, generic medicines are much cheaper because they are devoid of massive advertisements, and they have undergone the same compliance with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Internet: <inquirer.net> (adapted).