DOH, DTI set purchase limits on over-the-counter flu medicines

With the rising demand for fever and flu medicines, the Department of Health (DOH) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) issued Joint Memorandum Circular No. 22-01 “Setting of Purchase Limit/Cap for Paracetamol, Phenylephrine Hydrochloride, Carbocisteine, and Chlorphenamine Maleate Paracetamol.”

Below is the purchase limit per person and household for each medicine as stated in the JMC 22-01:

The JMC also requires retailers to post notices in their stores informing customers of the number of medicines they can purchase.

Meanwhile, all establishments and the general public are reminded that online sales of such medicines are prohibited unless they adhere to the existing rules and regulations of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

“The DTI urges the general public to avoid impulse purchases and to consider  generics of these over-the-counter medicines. Rest assured that we are working closely with the manufacturers of these products to ensure enough medicine supply,” says DTI Consumer Protection Group Undersecretary Ruth B. Castelo.

Republic Act No. 7581, or the Price Act, as amended, mandates the DOH and DTI to ensure the availability of basic necessities and prime commodities at reasonable prices while securing fair return on investment for legitimate businesses.

The Department advises consumers to always adhere to public health standards when shopping or conducting business outside of their homes and to always sanitize their hands.

For consumer-related concerns and queries, you may send an email to ConsumerCare@dti.gov.ph or reach us thru the One-DTI (1-384) Hotline.