Some reading for the Fonz.....

https://www.theage.com.au/politics/federal/restrictions-considered-for-ventolin-sales-amid-mass-shortage-fears-20200318-p54bib.html

Restrictions considered for Ventolin sales amid mass shortage fears

By Jonathan Kearsley

March 18, 2020 — 7.00pm

Customers could be limited to buying just one Ventolin inhaler at a time in a federal government bid to avoid a mass shortage, as panicked shoppers stock-up on the asthma medication.

Pharmacists have reported customers buying up to 15 inhalers at once. To keep up with demand some stores have been ordering three to six months’ worth of stock, when they would normally buy just a couple of weeks’ worth.

The Pharmacy Guild and wholesalers spoke with Health Minister Greg Hunt on Wednesday to discuss possible solutions, including limiting sales to one per customer.

In some states Ventolin is available without a prescription, in others it requires a script. Among the measures being considered are uniform state regulations, to make Ventolin only available via prescription.

Pharmacists are also reporting panic buying of toothpaste, hand sanitiser, face masks, cough and cold medicines, and sanitary products. The Therapeutic Goods Administration issued a plea to pharmacists not to over-order.

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"The large spike in orders from some pharmacies has resulted in other pharmacies not getting the stock they need. This means that consumers may be unable to get the medicines they need," the TGA said in a statement.

The Pharmacy Guild, a body that represents pharmacists, has also received multiple reports of angry shoppers, verbally and physically assaulting staff.

Guild Members have been provided with a sign to hang in their store, which reads, "during this time we ask everyone to be patient and respectful towards our pharmacy staff."