Concerns raised by pharmacists over ensuring a three-month supply were addressed by Minister John Haggie during the public health announcement yesterday.

Community pharmacists were disappointed with comments made by the health minister earlier this week indicating that wholesalers tell him that supplies are good.

Pharmacists say they are having very real problems with access to many important drugs and their national association has asked them to limit prescriptions to 30 days.

Haggie says manufacturers of pharmaceutical medicine are not reporting any issues surrounding their processes but says he is receiving mixed messages from wholesalers.

He describes the situation as “confusing at best.”

Haggie explains the limits were set by the province’s pharmacy board and adds that issues relate to a confined group of medications.

Haggie encourages anyone with a question about supply to speak to their pharmacist.

Meanwhile, representatives of Nu-Quest Distribution – a pharmaceutical wholesaler that distributes within the province – say there are some serious supply issues with manufacturers.

In an emailed statement to VOCM News, Nu-Quest outlines several products and manufacturers that are seeing restricted shipments.

All of the products listed relate to asthma, and related conditions that affect patients’ airways.

They include; Advair, Flovent, and Ventolin by Glaxo Smith Kline and Salbutamol by Teva. The company says in the circumstances of COVID-19 and its impact on an individual’s lung function, it is critical that what product that is available has the widest distribution possible and not be subject to stockpiling.