Sales of paracetamol, dexamethasone restricted

The Ministry of Social Affairs and Health has decided to temporarily restrict the sale and release for consumption of medicinal products containing paracetamol or dexamethasone.

The restrictions came into effect from 18 August, Tuesday and will remain in force until 15 January 2021, said the ministry in a press release.

The decision on restrictions was made to secure the availability of these medicinal products and to prepare for a possible increase in the global demand for paracetamol and dexamethasone as the pandemic continues.

These restrictive measures will help ensure equal availability and sufficiency of medicines throughout Finland.

Paracetamol is a widely used pain and fever medicine. Dexamethasone is used to reduce inflammation, for example.

Medicinal products containing paracetamol or dexamethasone that require a prescription may be sold or released for consumption at a single purchase up to a quantity that is equivalent to consumption of a maximum of three months.

In case of self-medication, a single purchase of products containing paracetamol must not exceed the quantity of the largest approved self-medication package. Dexamethasone is a prescription-only medicine.

Due to the coronavirus epidemic, amendments have been made to the Medicines Act. The amendments allow the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health to temporarily restrict or target the sale of medicinal products in order to ensure the availability and sufficiency of medicines.

The amendments entered into force on 13 July 2020.