Pharmacists across Suffolk have spoken of "worrying" shortages of over-the-counter cold and flu medications, particularly brands such as Day & Night Nurse, Lemsip and Benylin.
Connor Missenden, 28, is the dispensary lead at Aqua Pharmacy in Ipswich.
He said it was proving "impossible" to find cold and flu medicine, particularly Day & Night Nurse which has been missing for months.
"We've got plenty of the standard decongestant tablets, but apart from that we're just asking people to stay hydrated and take paracetamol," he said.
Jane Patel, 63, the manager of Queen Street Pharmacy in Southwold, echoed this issue.
"We're searching websites every single day but we've been out of Night Nurse and Lemsip since before Christmas," she said.
"We do have alternatives, but they're out the door pretty much the moment they come in."
Bury St Edmunds pharmacist Jiun Lung Lee, 32, said the absence of cold and flu medication extends to the Guildhall Pharmacy and is "definitely very worrying".
"We've noticed their absence since at least November," he said.
"Some medicines like Benilyn are slowly coming back, but they're only available for a very short time."
He added that he's had to refer people looking for specific medications to different pharmacies, hoping that they've managed to get hold of it from a different supplier.
Healthwatch Suffolk chief executive Andy Yacoub said: "Although we at Healthwatch Suffolk have not received direct contact from members of the public concerned with cold and flu medication shortages this winter, we understand that these reports may initially cause alarm - the potential inability to access desired items can make anyone feel more vulnerable when suffering with illness.
"However, it is essential that all of us in Suffolk continue to purchase purely according to present need.
"If people do have any concerns, or find that medications are out of stock, they should approach a member of the team at their local pharmacy to see what they can advise."
A Department for Health and Social Care spokesman said: "We are aware of reports of issues with the availability of some branded cold and flu medicines - these appear to be temporary, localised.
"Supply of over-the-counter medicines is not controlled by central government but we are engaging with suppliers to investigate and help ensure over-the-counter cold and flu medicines remain available."
Malcolm Harrison, chief executive of the Company Chemists' Association, said: “We are aware of the reports of cold and flu medicines shortages.
"This winter there has been the spike in cough and colds cases, in addition to the heightened awareness of cases involving invasive Group A Streptococcal disease.
"This has ultimately led to a surge in demand for over-the-counter medicines, straining the existing supply chain logistics.
Mr Harrison added: "Businesses are working hard to adapt and replenish the supply of medicines to meet the increased demand. We urge patients and the public to only buy what they need.
"It is vital to remember cough and cold medicines are only intended to alleviate the symptoms, and generally will not speed up recovery.
People should speak to their pharmacist about alternative products if the product they are looking for is not available.”
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