Pharmacies in Toronto and the surrounding areas are experiencing a shortage of adult cold and flu medication, with many pharmacies having little to no inventory on their shelves. Semah Salib, a pharmacist at Woodgreen Discount Pharmacy, stated that he has never seen a shortage of this magnitude before, with "nothing available". 

An investigation by Global News found that at least a dozen pharmacies in the city were facing shortages of adult cold and flu medication, with some having limited inventory and others having none at all.

Justin Bates, from the Ontario Pharmacists Association, explained that the shortages are due to a range of factors, including the ongoing shortage of children's medication being experienced nationwide. In an effort to address this shortage, pharmacies have been advised to split tablets of adult cold and flu medication and give them to children, which has further impacted the availability of adult medication.

The early onset of cold and flu season, combined with outbreaks of COVID-19 and the presence of both influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), has also contributed to the shortages.

Another factor contributing to the shortage is Canada's reliance on international supply. Bates stated that the country has very limited domestic capacity for pharmaceutical production and therefore relies heavily on imports. This reliance on international supply, combined with production delays and other factors, has led to the current shortage.

The Ontario Pharmacists Association is working to address the shortage and bring more medication to the market, but in the meantime, pharmacists are advising those with cold and flu symptoms to try other remedies, including fluid intake and rest, or to split tablets of different formulations or try compounding.

Health Canada has acknowledged the negative impact of drug shortages on patients, healthcare professionals, and the healthcare system and is working with stakeholders to build a more secure and open drug supply system. The government has also stated that everyone has a role to play in addressing drug shortages.