Preparing for the Safe Use of Imported Acetaminophen for Children
Acetaminophen and ibuprofen products for pediatric patients have been in short supply across Canada. Health Canada is reviewing foreign-authorized products to mitigate the shortage and has granted a temporary exemption to import an Australian acetaminophen product for hospital inpatient use only, with a different concentration from the Canadian product. The differences between the acetaminophen products from Canada and Australia will require a coordinated risk management strategy. Read this bulletin to learn how to reduce the risk of mix-ups and dosing errors in hospitals.
Health Canada has also authorized the importation of different acetaminophen products for retailers. The bulletin sidebar shares recommendations for community pharmacists to support the safe administration of imported acetaminophen products.