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An increase in demand for Paracetamol and flu medication has been observed for the past few days, which pharmacy groups attribute to the presence of the COVID-19 Omicron variant and the onset of the flu season.
Starting the first day of the year, many Filipinos online share experiencing flu-like symptoms. This is also the case we observed on our online parenting community, Smart Parenting Village, where parents share having a member of the household experiencing fever and colds.
On January 4, 2022, Unilab, one of the biggest pharmaceutical companies in the Philippines, released an advisory informing the public "that some of our brands are temporarily out of stock in select drugstores due to extraordinary demand."
However, Unilab assured the public "to accelerate replenishment at the soonest possible time."
In an interview with ANC, Pharmaceutical & Healthcare Association of the Philippines Vice President Jannette Jakosalem says "Omicron scare" is one of the contributing factors behind the observed spike in demand for flu medications.
"Natatakot 'yung tao of Omicron and they could be hoarding some of these medicines," Jakosalem pointed out. She also advises public to go for generic brands if their preferred brand is not available in their local drugstore. "Pwede naman na magtanong doon sa pharmacist kung ano 'yung pwedeng alternative na brand na pwede nila ipalit kapag nawala o naubusan ng stock do'n sa brand na kinasanayan."
The Philippine Department of Health (DOH) has also issued a statement on the said issue, saying "that while there is an observed increased demand for such products [Paracetamol and other drugs for flu-like symptoms], there is no ongoing shortage in the Philippines."
ADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOWIt adds, "Paracetamol has many generic alternatives in the market, which are available in many drug stores nationwide."
Lastly, DOH appealed to the public to avoid "hoarding, panic-buying or unnecessary purchases of such medications when not clinically warranted."
Where to order medicine and vitamins online
While pharmacies work on keeping up with the demand, here are some platforms we found online where you can order medicines and vitamins with just a few taps.
This list can also come in handy when you can't go out or opt to refrain from going outdoors to stay away from the crowd.
1. MedExpress
On its website, MedExpress Drugstore says it offers same-day delivery for orders received before 2 PM. However, due to high demand orders recently, it advised patrons of delays in its delivery service. Aside from Metro Manila, they also cater to other areas in Luzon as well as in Visayas and Mindanao.
CONTINUE READING BELOWRecommended VideosVisit MedExpress website for more information here or go to their Facebook page for updates.
2. GetMEDS.ph
Aside from medicines, GetMeds.ph also offers other medical supplies, personal care products, and also some baby essentials. For delivery, they offer "same-day delivery in Metro Manila and within three days across the Philippines."
Visit GetMEDS.ph website for more information here.
3. muramed.com
This online pharmacy also offers nationwide delivery According to their website, delivery will be waived for orders worth Php1,000 and above. Aside from its website, muramed.com is also a verified store on Lazada.
Click here to visit muramed.com's website.
4. PharmEZ
This online pharmacy mainly offers delivery for Metro Manila patrons. Based on its website, customers in Metro Manila can avail of free delivery for Php400 worth of orders. Delivery outside Metro Manila, within Luzon, will be coursed through LBC.
Click here to visit PharmEZ website.
5. Mercury Drug online delivery
The go-to pharmacy of many Filipinos also offers delivery services. Mercury Drug accepts orders via landline or their website.
Mercury Drug delivery hotline: 632 8637 2879, 632 8911 7854, or 8-7000-777
Mobile: 09190806426
Click here to visit Mercury Drug's online delivery website.
See Facebook post below for customers in Metro Manila:
ADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOWA mom shared a cautionary tale against sef-medication when her child suffered from paracetamol overdose. Read here.
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