Reports of a lack in over-the-counter pharmaceutical medications have been circulating since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Dr Aarielle McLaren at The Practice Bundanoon says this is due in part to supply chain delays.
"This is true not only for paracetamol but many medicines including essential prescription medications," Dr McLaren said.
"Reduced freight routes and workforce shortages has resulted in unusually long waits for stock."
Dr McLaren says most pharmaceutical products are manufactured overseas, which leaves consumers at the whim of companies outside the control of Australia.
She said the pandemic highlighted Australia's reliance as a country on overseas pharmaceutical production.
"There has been an increased demand by consumers and at times liquid paracetamol has been particular difficult to source," Dr McLaren said.
She says the situation raises questions about Australia's need for onshore production of the these products.
"A review into the increasing rates of paracetamol overdose could drastically change the way in which we can purchase paracetamol," Dr McLaren said.
It's a challenging set of circumstances for community pharmacist Trung Nguyen at Terry White Bundanoon.
He described 2022 as one of the most challenging times of his career.
"Combined with other factors, such as mass vaccinating the community, and sourcing and supplying rapid antigen tests, the shortage of paracetamol liquid stock was frustrating to say the least," Mr Nguyen said.
He said staff went to extraordinary lengths to source children's paracetamol.
"This required time and effort, which took away focus from the day-to-day running of the store and looking after the health of the community," Mr Nguyen said.
"Staff were also required to be diligent to ensure desperate parents were not hoarding the medication."
Mr Nguyen is closely watching the debate around paracetamol moving behind the counter at Australian pharmacies.
He is concerned the move will have unintended consequences.
"There have been recommendations to up-schedule modified release paracetamol to prescription only," Mr Nguyen said.
"The rationale here is to reduce the ability to use paracetamol for self-harm. However, self harm can be attributed to less than 10 per cent of cases."
Mr Nguyen says customers who suffer chronic pain rely on paracetamol. He's concerned for them if their access is restricted.
"It will reduce access to a very common chronic pain medication and therefore increase out of pocket expenses for patients," Mr Nguyen said.
"It could have unintended consequences."
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Sally Foy
Regional reporter based in the Southern Highlands. I am also a mother and advocate for children with a disability and epilepsy.
Regional reporter based in the Southern Highlands. I am also a mother and advocate for children with a disability and epilepsy.
