The federal government imported one million units of children's acetaminophen—commonly known as Tylenol—as emergency relief amid a shortage coupled with soaring rates of influenza and respiratory syncytial virus, also known as RSV.
The Institute for Safe Medication Practices Canada has created a safety bulletin about how pharmacists can safely use products imported in response to shortages in hospitals.
One million bottles of children's medication will have been distributed to hospitals, pharmacies and retailers after next week, health officials said during a media briefing.
Chief Medical Adviser Dr. Supriya Sharma says the first signs of supply issues arose in April but it wasn't until August that companies warned their efforts to increase supplies were failing.
