Laboratoire Riva, the manufacturer of generic and branded drugs, reported a shortage of children's chewable acetaminophen tablets and indicated that the Quebec-based company is seeing increased demand despite the nationwide shortage of Tylenol for children for months due to a range of supply chain issues and unreasonably high demand.

The Canadian Pharmacists Association also clarified in a statement on Wednesday that a prescription is not required to purchase Tylenol or Advil liquid, and that it was a "recommendation" from SickKids to caregivers for their patients. The organization also urged everyone "not to buy more than they need so that all caregivers can access what they need, when they need it."

For further clarification, Tylenol is the brand name for acetaminophen, while ibuprofen is also known under the brand names Advil and Motrin. A pharmacist said that even the generic store brand of liquid acetaminophen has not been available for months, adding that large 500 ml bottles of acetaminophen stored behind the counter and used for prescriptions are not regularly stocked in most stores and are also currently available. The SickKids letter also suggested using alternative forms of the medication, including chewable tablets, but emphasized the importance of consulting with a pharmacist or healthcare provider to ensure the product and correct dosages are administered safely.

For further clarification, the drug shortages reported in Canada on Tuesday concerned 80 mg and 24 chewable acetaminophen tablets and 160 mg and 20 chewable tablets manufactured by Riva, and the company did not immediately respond to any inquiries via phone or email.

Separately, Paladin Labs Inc. also reported a shortage of 80mg Tempra Infant Drops acetaminophen in 15 ml and 24 ml bottles on Wednesday due to "drug manufacturing disruption," according to the drug shortage reporting site. The pharmaceutical company had previously reported a shortage of 100 ml of Tempra infant syrup acetaminophen on July 27.

On another note, Justin Bates, CEO of the Ontario Pharmacists Association, told CTV News on Wednesday, "We know there are challenges within the global supply chain with drug manufacturers doing everything they can to keep up." "But raw materials, sourcing, and assembling all this has caused challenges regarding maintaining and preserving supplies of these products. Furthermore, we have unprecedented demand due to both cold and flu as well as fever and pain that we usually do not see at this time of year," Bates said. "Manufacturers have not yet indicated when this will be replenished. We are closely monitoring the situation. They are working hard to ensure shelves are stocked, and we hope by fall, when we see the peak of cold and flu season, to have more supplies on the shelves."