Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 11) — The government is limiting the number of over-the-counter fever and flu medicines a household can purchase due to high demand and to prevent hoarding amid the COVID-19 surge.
The Department of Health and the Department of Trade and Industry released on Tuesday a joint memorandum circular setting a purchase cap for paracetamol, phenylephrine hydrochloride + chlorphenamine maleate + paracetamol, and carbocisteine medicines.
An individual may buy only up to 20 paracetamol tablets, while the maximum is set at 60 per household. For liquid paracetamol, a person can only buy up to five bottles, while a household may purchase up to 10.
This came in the wake of “temporary stockouts” of the products in the retail market, according to the circular dated Jan. 10. It added that the policy will help prevent artificial shortage and price escalation, as well as ensure the availability of the products until supplies become stable.
The following are the purchase limits set by the government:
