Customers are reporting difficulty purchasing popular painkiller ibuprofen, as one major retailer blames low stocks on a worldwide shortage.
One customer shared an image on Twitter of a note discovered in a Sainsbury's store, saying the retailer was experiencing "supply issues" in ibuprofen caplets and tablets. Meanwhile, some complained of being forced to purchase expensive branded versions, instead of the cheaper supermarket own-brand painkiller.
Twitter user @shelsey_c said: "Has anybody else noticed a shortage of own brand ibuprofen? Over the past couple of weeks I have tried to buy in Boots, Superdrug and Tesco without success. The shelves are either empty or filled up with expensive brand alternatives."
Meanwhile a Tesco spokesperson told The Sun the problem was due to a “global shortage” of the active ingredient in ibuprofen medicine. It said both own-brand and some branded products are affected.
A spokesman for Sainsbury's told MirrorOnline: “Some stores are running low on some own brand ibuprofen and paracetamol lines. We’re working to replenish as quickly as possible and are sorry for any inconvenience this may cause.”
Despite the issues, it is still possible to purchase ibuprofen in various forms. When Chronicle Live checked both Tesco and Sainsbury's online stores, both offered a number of different brands and varieties of the painkiller which appeared to be in stock.
It comes after the British Medical Association, called for "urgent action" over shortages of a host of common medicines, caused by manufacturing issues and an increase in global demand. The list of under-threat medications included common analgesics (painkillers). The Government denied concerns these shortages were connected to Brexit.
