Excedrin shortage vs. migraine sufferers

HAMDEN, Conn. (WTNH) -- It's pain relief that is not available right now for those in need: how is the Excedrin shortage affecting Connecticut?

The shelves in the pain management aisle at Apex Pharmacy in Hamden is empty of the popular reliever Excedrin.

Only generics are available, but some migraine sufferers say it's just not the same.

"The generic should be equivalent to the brand name where it be Excedrin or Tylenol, but there's certain people that may have a problem with taking a general product," said Rick Carbray, Owner of Apex Pharmacy, "but for the most part people should tolerate it very well."

The maker of the drug stopped production after discovering a possible contamination at its Nebraska plant.

Some are paying hundreds of dollars for the drug on the internet.

"Definitely not Ebay or amazon.com, probably great companies, but when you're talking about medications, the sources of the medications are not known to the people that are buying them online," Carbray said.

Instead, Carbray makes another suggestion.

"Certainly contact your doctor if you have a product that you can't take over the counter," he said, "there's many prescription drugs for migraines that are available and have your doctor advise you."

You may not have to wait too much longer. The company says expect shipments of a limited line of Excedrin products in the second half of this year.

Carbray tells News 8 a shipment could come in as soon as late August. Meantime, if you have questions about over-the-counter drugs or prescriptions drugs be sure to consult with your pharmacist or doctor.