Kingston, Jamaica — With reports of a shortage of Panadol — the brand of tablet recommended for treatment of the symptoms of Chigungunya – the Health Ministry is assuring the public that there are several other brands of paracetamol available.
“I want to assure Jamaicans that we have an adequate supply of paracetamol tablets and syrup in the health sector and we are in a position to get additional stock quickly if the need arises. If persons choose to purchase the drug in private pharmacies there are several brands that are available locally and can be used to treat pain and fever associated with the chikungunya virus,” Acting Chief Medical Officer, Dr Marion Bullock DuCasse said Tuesday night.
Dr DuCasse said that individuals may be guided by their pharmacists in their choice of brand as all the products work in the same way and are approved by the Ministry for treatment of the Chikungunya virus.
Some of the brands registered by the Ministry and are currently available include Panadol, Panalix, Paradenk, Paradmol, Apap, Cetamol, Tylenol, Painol, Painex, Fitzroy paracetamol, Las-paracetamol and Mk-acetaminophen.
However Dr DuCasse cautioned that that the tablets and syrups are not to be taken to prevent Chikungunya. Instead they are only to be taken when the symptoms of pain and fever occur.