Boots, Superdrug and other chemists report hay fever pill shortages
Big high street pharmacy chains including Boots and Superdrug have run out of some hay fever medicines, with the manufacturer, GlaxoSmithKline, blaming temporary supply issues.
Piriton and Piriteze tablets, made by GSK, are out of stock at Boots and other chains because there is an industry-wide shortage of the active ingredient, chlorphenamine maleate, which is also used to treat eczema and food allergies.
The products are expected to be back on shelves within the next few weeks, according to the industry.
GSK said its Piriteze allergy syrup, which is given to children, was not affected by the problems.
A GSK spokesperson said: “Due to the reduced availability of certain active ingredients across the industry, we can confirm GSK consumer healthcare is experiencing temporary supply shortages of Piriton and Piriteze tablets. We appreciate that the demand for these medicines will be high over the coming months and are working hard to improve availability as soon as possible.”
Hay fever is caused by tree, grass and other pollen, and levels are expected to be high in coming days, according to the Met Office.
Boots said only four of its 90 hay fever relief products were affected by the shortages – Piriton tablets and its own-brand version, both sold in different pack sizes. These antihistamines cause drowsiness, so many people prefer other medicines.
A Boots spokesperson said: “At Boots we have a large range of hay fever relief medicines, with good availability of stock overall in our stores and online. There are a very small number of lines that are currently out of stock due to a current, industry-wide shortage of the active ingredient.
“However, we are expecting this to be resolved soon and new deliveries are expected in the
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