“My son is a severe asthmatic and we have been to multiple pharmacies looking for Ventolin,” another said. “We are on a waiting list. Asthma attacks wait for no one. Please don’t buy Ventolin if you do not have Asthma.”
This comes after the TGA announced that stocks of Ventolin inhalers were running low across the country due to “unexpected demand.”
“We have today worked with pharmacists that they will be required to limit dispensing of certain prescription products to one month’s supply at the prescribed dose,” Dr Paul Kelly, the Health Department deputy chief medical officer said in a press conference.
“Sales of certain over-the-counter medicines — particularly Ventolin and paracetamol, to a maximum of one unit per purchase. Pharmacists will be required to place children's paracetamol formulations, the syrup and the like, behind the counter to assist in allocating supply.”
While Dr Kelly added that he understood that the public may be buying this medication out of fear, this behaviour isn’t helpful for those who really need it.
"There have been reports of people buying large quantities of these medications over the last few days," he said.
"I recognise again that people are fearful about issues, particularly those that might affect their own families.
"But I say again, as the Prime Minister said yesterday about panic buying, please do not buy more than you need."
This article originally appeared on Women's Health Australia.
