High vaccination rate, not Omicron probably behind high paracetamol usage, says MMA

KUALA LUMPUR: There is no evidence that the Covid-19 Omicron variant is causing the paracetamol shortage in the market, says Malaysian Medical Association (MMA).

MMA president Dr Koh Kar Chai said it was true that while there was an abnormality in the paracetamol supply in the country, there was no shortage of drugs.

"Leading brands sell out faster in pharmacies and convenient stores and this is where a shortage is seen.

"Without actual statistics, it is not known if Omicron infection is the direct cause of it," he told New Straits Times.

Dr Koh said there was a possibility more people take paracetamol for common mild side effects such as fever and body aches due to the high rate of vaccination in the country.

He however did not rule out the possibility that the Omicron has led to a higher number of people taking paracetamol pills.

"It could be that some are just purchasing it in case they become unwell," he said.

He advised those who were allergic to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which include aspirin and other pain killers, to use other methods like sponging or a taking bath to bring down a high fever.

He said it was because the only choice of fever medicine was paracetamol.

On Friday (Feb 18), Bernama reported paracetamol, a drug commonly used to relieve fever and headaches, was in short supply and difficult to find at community pharmacies and convenience stores in the capital as well as several other places.

In a recent survey at community pharmacies, shelves for the over-the-counter drug, especially a leading brand, were empty due to high demand caused by the recent rise in Covid-19 numbers.