In pharmacies, it is currently sometimes difficult to find Doliprane. Especially for patients looking for the drug in 1000mg capsule form. A reference that “is the favorite of the French”underlines Sanofi, which manufactures the drug.
« It’s gonna be tense for a few monthsconfirms Pierre-Olivier Variot, president of the Union of community pharmacists (Upso). We are still receiving some, but the quantities are lower than usual. »
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The Sanofi group explains that it is facing “increased demand for its paracetamol-based specialties”. An increase due “to the resurgence of Covid-19, combined with the strong comeback of winter pathologies and the recent lifting of barrier gestures”. Enough to “lead to longer delivery times for direct sales in pharmacies”.
Alternatives available in pharmacies
The pharmaceutical laboratory plans a return to normal in June 2022. This tension in the supply is already observed ” since December “ according to Philippe Besset, president of the Federation of Pharmaceutical Unions of France.
However, for the time being, there is not necessarily cause for concern, reassure the professionals. Paracetamol (active ingredient of Doliprane) is offered by other brands still available in pharmacies and not affected by these shortages, such as Efferalgan (Upsa).
However, Doliprane is the only one to supply this substance in syrup or liquid stick, forms more suitable for children, and which have also experienced supply problems. “in January, but it’s back to normal”assures Philippe Besset.
“It shows that we are in tension”
«On the other hand, it shows that we are in tension. So either we consider that the tension will last, in which case we need other production lines, or we think not, but personally I don’t see the end of it.continues the pharmacist.
Two factories produce Doliprane in France. One is located in Compiègne, in Oise, the other located in Lisieux in Calvados. The Sanofi group had already increased its production from the spring of 2020 to meet growing demand. A surge caused, already, by the Covid-19 pandemic. The High Council for Public Health then recommended the use of paracetamol to treat fever or pain, rather than non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen.